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"TfTj. LYLE, A. U. M. D.fl 

;'< Prot'tssot of Therapeutics and Materia Medica in Cliica- ;./tfi 



and Sanitai y S< 
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*<Z ^ %o Physio-Medical CoUeg 
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C* ^'V FoVaierly Professor of Hygt< 
^"^4 tlle Physio-Medical Institute. C 

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*^ * Many Valuable Articles from .some of the 'J 
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<T$V MOST EMINENT WRITERS IN <S5L 

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Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1896, by 

T. J. LYLE, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



X 



♦PREFACE.*- 



Gentlemen and Ladies of the Medical Profession: 

To you I offer this humble effort in the direction of an 
increase of Physio-Medical Literature. It is a necessity 
in order to successful Practice that we correctly under- 
stand Therapeutics, Materia Medica and Pharmacy from 
a Physio-Medical or Physiological standing point, where 
medicine administered to the organism shall not create 
disease but shall assist the Vital Force in maintaining 
its sovereignty over all the tissues of the body, enabling it 
to cast off impurities. To assist in properly selecting these 
agents, to illustrate accurate combining and prescription 
so as to meet conditions as they may be presented, and to 
instruct in the preparation of these agents that they will 
be administered to the system in the most efficient form, 
are the objects of this Volume. 

In what is presented I have avoided verbosity and aimed 
at the greatest brevity consistent with perspicuity. I 
could easily have doubled the size of this volume, but 
abundance of words do not always add thoughts. My ob- 
ject has been a Practical Hand-Book rather than a verbose 
elaboration. I have avoided the superfluous verbiage that 
necessarily surrounds fine-spun theories and have aimed to 
produce practical facts, the result of close observation and 
careful notings in the active Practice of Medicine in the 
last thirty years. 



In all things i have aimed to be practical rather ttiau 
theoretical or dogmatic. The latter does not assist the 
physician when he stands at the bedside to lend the help- 
ing hand to struggling vitality in the battle between life 
and death. Facts, practical facts, are then needed. 

I take pleasure in recording that among those who 
hold hono.able Chairs in the Physio- Medical College of 
Indiana, Indianapolis, Prof. J. M.. Tuurstoa. M. D., 
Prof. E. Anthony, M. D., Prof. E. G. Anthony, M. D., 
Professor E. M. Haggard, M. D.; and among those who 
hold or have held honorable Chairs in the Chicago Physio- 
Medical College, Prof. H. A. Hadley, M. D.. Prof.A. A. 
StoneBurner, M. D.. M. S. E., Prof F. O. Broady, M. D., 
Prof. A. W. Kelly, A. M., Ph. D., M. i>. ana Prof. W. F. Pe- 
chuman, A. M., M. 1).,L L. I).: also (*. H. Mayliugn. M. D. 
Editor of "'Sanative Medicine.'* & .J. M. Massie, M. L>.. have 
each contributed valuable articles to this volume, while 
some have contributed some of their most valuable formula;. 

I also take pleasure in mentioning the fact that some 
of our eminent and reliable Pharmacists have willingly 
given a helping hand. 

Medical Literature is immense, and I do not forget to 
acknowledge that in these many years 1 have gained much 
information from an extensive reading of Medical .Jour- 
nals of all Schools or' Medicine: of Encyclopaedias and 
various Medical Volumes: of Dispensatories and other 
volumes of Materia Medica and Botany. 

In all the departments of this book 1 have aimed to give 
the latest, tie best and the most practical information. 
Herein I have mentioned many new agents, some of which 
are very valuable and some not so valuable. I have spent 
much time and money with these agents and have patient- 
ly watched their influence under various conditions. Some 
of these have not been equal to our anticipations, while 
others may now be considered among our best agents. 

Our ideas concerning some of our older agents have also 
changed, both with regard to their intrinsic worth and 
their relative application. 

In the future as we shall- know more of the knowable, 
we may think differently of some agents than what we 
now think. I claim infallibility for neither myself nor 
this Book. Careful investigation may cause us to change 
our opinions concerning the various influences of some of 



these agents, but the principles of Scientific Medication 
are the same yesterday, to-day and forever. No theory of 
Medicine can be Scientific which seeks to destroy or 
dethrone Vitality, hence Physio- Medical ism is the School 
of Scientific Medication: for Medicine is Scientific only as 
it seeks to sustain struggling Vitality. 

One thing I earnestly ask of the entire Profession. 
Carefully note your investigations and whatever in the 
line of Materia Medica you find new and practical report 
to me. And as I propose to add to this Book an annual 
appendix, should encouragement favor, I shall be pleased 
to publish briefly the results of these investigations there- 
in. 

In rending these pages the critic's eye of course will be 
present. Hut while we pass along the road from Jerusa- 
lem to Jericho allow not yourselves to represent either 
the priest, the levite or the robbers, but act the part 
of the Good Samaritan. 

Together we stand upon the same level, judged by the 
plummet of truth, and as we pass together along life's 
pathway we may by united effort bring forth the beautiful 
keystone for the triumphal arch of success. 

As a student of Vitality. I have solved a few problems: 
I have gathered a few facts from the great ocean of truth 
that lies before us. These I hand to you in the hope that 
thereby you shall be able to drink the more deeply from 
the great fountains of Medical truth. Proclaim the truth 
to others, that they in turn may do good to succeeding 
generations. 

"Lives of great men aU'remind you 

You may make your lives sublime. 
And in dying leave behind you, 

Footprints on the sands of Time." 

SALEM, OHIO. 

March 4th. 1897. 






PHYSIO-CD EDI O A L. 



THERAPEUTICS. 



'*» gWplie true physician is a wonderful being, whose call- 

rl%m^\ng is, second to none. He deals with human physi- 

, r ^ . leal and more or less moral defects. Indeed. 

J man's weal or woe to a great extent, is in his 

hands. If he ignorant, woe be to humanity. He 

cannot be too intelligent in his profession, lie musl 

be a continuous student, if he keeps abreast of the 

times. He must realize that there are others in the world- 

who know some things as well as he, that there is room for 

him to improve, and that there is some information vet 

for him to gain. Let him be assured that the r e is room for 

him at the top if he will but put forth the effort to attain it. 

Besides the knowledge of drugs, there are other things in 
which the physician must be proficient. He must be a 
thorough student of human nature and a thorough physi- 
ognomist. He must be wise in reading abnormal conditions, 
and be capable of reading character and of diagnosing on 
sight the conditions present in his patient. This will gain 
for him at once the patient's confidence and is extremely 
helpful in the physician's art. 

Beware of deceptions, for remember you are everybody's 
confidante. Be swift to hear everything: be quick to observe 
everything; but be slow to spe?k anything. Always tell the 
truth, but not always the whole truth. Do not make light 
of your patient's ailments, they believe they are sick, and 
that itself is a disease and needs your attention. Bookknowl- 
edge is good, but that gained at the bedside is frequently 
to be perfered, The results of a scientific experience are 
very valuable. The physician should have good common 
sense, good morals and a thorough medical and literary ed- 
ucation. Then too he should have a true love for his pro- 



18 THERAPEUTICS. 

fession, and possess a magnetic affability. A little fun. a 
good joke, a pleasant anecdote, and a little laughter will 
often do your patient good. Never approach your patient 
with a long face. 

Be positively correct in your diagnosis, it is unpleasant 
to be compelled by force of consultation or otherwise to 
change your diagnosis of any case. Be scientific in the ap- 
plication of your remedies. "Be sure you are right then go 
ahead." 

Physiology is the science of life, its normal development 
and preservation. Health is physiology asan art,— a sound. 
unobstructed condition of the organism. Disease is defect- 
ion physiology, — an unsound and more or less obstructed 
condition of the whole organism or of some parts or part. 

Study well the manifestations of the vital force in health 
as well as in disease. Carefully differentiate these mani- 
festations, determine their signification and seek to restore 
to the normal condition. Let the manifestations of the vital 
force be > our guide in diagnosis, in prognesis and in the art 
of curing. 

Therapeutics relates to the discovery of remedies, the 
determining of their medical properties and of their ap] li- 
cation in restoring from diseased conditions to a state of 
health. 

Medical history is full of therapeutical schemes — some 
very foolish and some seemingly very wise. Some practical. 
some impracticable, and some a mass of arbitrary dictums. 
It is not then surprising that some are unreliable. This 
unreliability has given unrest to the medical mind, and 
given rise to the assertion that medicine is not a science. 
Some minds have built up and some have torn down. The 
dethroning of one opinion has give*" room for the enthron- 
ing of another. The present stands upon the ruins of the 
past; and man is still searching for truth. 

Ma iy medical systems have been founded upon imper- 
fect data, yet many have been their followers. All systems 
have had their gifted minds. But some rreconceived fad, 
some false premis or some pre-desired conclusion have 1 pre- 
vented these gifted minds from always reaching correct 
conclusions. 

Because we differ from others, we do not brand them 
ignorant, but rejoice in the fact that we live in an age of 
great research and of wonderful knowledge. We are pleas- 
ed to note the many intelligent persons who stand in the 



THERAPEUTICS. 19 

lead of other schools of medicine. We simply say these men 
are more or less mistaken, and hope that the day will soon 
come when they too shall behold the beautiful light of 
truth and pronounce medicine not a mass of arbitrary dic- 
tums, but, in truth a science, 

Since Hippocrates, who has been called the father of 
medicine, of 400 B.C. many systems have arisen, among 
those that remain, the leading are the Regulars or Allopaths 
the Homeopaths, the Eclectic^ and the Physio-Medicalists 

The Regulars would have us cure a diseased action by in- 
ducing a different kind of action, though not necessarily 
diseased action. They claim that therapeutics is not a 
science, that it is uncertain and dependent upon the skill 
of the practitioner. Once they called disease an evil spirit 
and attempted cure by incantations. Then they thought 
that the fluids and solids of the body had changed, and 
that the fluids had left their proper places in the body, or 
had become disproportioned. Then came experimental 
therapeutics, statistical therapeutics and experiments on 
the loweranimals. All left them in more or less uncer- 
tainty, and hence to them medicine was necessarily some- 
what empirical. 

Galen was the man guilty of formulating the scheme 
of substituting an artificial diseased action for the dis- 
ease itself. Such always led to the reduction of vitality, 
landed the patient into more or less asthamia. resulted in 
protracting the period of illness and led to so many heart 
failures. These are the men who seek the protection of 
Uncle Sam to prevent others from practicing medicine who 
do not believe as they. 
Not unfrequently one extreme begets another. The Homeo- 
paths under Hahnemann arose and shouted '"Similia Simil- 
ibus Curantur''; — as medicines given to the healthy cause 
certain symptoms, they will cure disease showing similar 
or like symptoms. They would have you give arsenic or 
copper to cure diarrhoea, because such produce diarrhoea 
in the healthy. They would have you give strychnine for 
spasms beause it will produce spasms: or muriatic acid for 
hectic fever because it will produce similar results in the 
healthy. Why then not cure one drunk by inducing an- 
other drunk in the same person? 

The Eclectics elect from each school as their experience 
seems to indicate. They give medicine because its effect 
is opposite to or opposed to the diseased action. They hold 



20 THERAPEUTICS. 

that remedies contain a force which set free in the body 
has the power to bring it back to that condition called nor- 
mal. They call disease an, excess, a defect or perversion. 
They say a medicine lessens an excess, restores a defect or 
changes a perversion to the normal standard. 

Physio-Medicalism is medication in harmony with true 
Physiology, recognizing in all conditions the indications 
of the vital force and hence abstaining from all poisonous 
medication, believing that whatever has for its tend- 
ency to kill cannot have for its tendency to cure- 

In Anatomy, Chemistry and the use of the surgical knife 
we hold a general agreement with other Schools of Medi- 
cine; but we differ more or less in Physiology, Therapeu- 
tics, Materia Medica, Medical Surgery and Practical Medi- 
cine. We teach Physiology as the basis of Medical Pract ice 
and demand that the laws of human life and functional 
activity must be thoroughly understood. The human 
body must be regarded as a highly endowed vital indepen- 
dence by virtue of an inherent vital and living plastic mat- 
ter, which is the sole causation of any function. 

By virtue of this vital force and living matter, the body 
is able to maintain its functional integrity against ordi- 
nary adverse influences. But when over-powered, function- 
al work becomes more or less disturbed. Then the resist- 
ive effort of vitality is manifested in repelling or elim- 
inating the producing cause To aid the vital force in 
these restorative efforts is the work of true medicine from 
the hand of a true physician. Toxics, irritants, or narcotics 
tend to destroy bioplasm, to weaken functional power and 
to foster chronic ailments in the body in place of the dis- 
ease they were intended to remove and hence are improper 
agents to be used as medicines. xVnything that can deprive 
the organs in part or wholly of their ability to act normally 
is a cause of disease. That inability is the disease: and 
the cure is the restoration of these organs and tissues to 
their normal condition. Much has been said of baccili, but 
these are usually harmless: the posionous element in which 
they thrive is the cause of further disease and is the con- 
tagium. 

It is apparent that the mass of medical men are thera- 
peutically at sea. In order that we may behold an appro- 
priate superstructure it must be built upon a true founda- 
tion. See with what avidity medical men have allowed 
themselves to run after therapeutical sensations. The 



THERAPEUTICS. 21 

Brown-Sequard Elixir tor the rejuvenation of the race pro- 
duced a wild sensation; Koch's tuberculine was to be the 
eradication of consumption; and now antitoxine and se- 
rum theraphy are among the fading wonders. 

I grant honor to him who for the welfare of man becomes 
a patient investigator. But where is the trouble? Not in 
the intensity of the effort, but in the conclusions that are 
drawn from incomplete or incorrect premises. You need 
not search for gold in a dung hill; the proper place must be 
sought. Yellow glasses make all things look yellow: hence 
investigation must be conducted through the media of cor- 
rect premises, in order to reach correct conclusions. 

The physical basis of life is vital and not chemical. The 
conservation of the vital force is the pivotal point in thera- 
peutics. No agent harmful to the physiological unit of an. 
imal life, the proto - plasmic cell, must find a place in our 
Armamentorium Medicorum. 

Medicine must have a rational and scientific basis, a cor- 
rect anatomy and physiology. Physiological phenomena 
are dependent upon vital action. Chemical and other forces 
may and do act at times and under certain circumstances, 
within the organism, but their resulting phenomena do 
not constitute vitality. 

Before us are two existing facts, matter and force. Force 
is substantial, inherent with and inseparable from matter. 
Gravitation is the force one body has to attract another 
body in proportion to its size and density. The force of grav- 
itation is constant and the larger and denser the body the 
stronger the force, Then too, we have the force of electric it, v 
of magnetism, of heat, of light and of vitality. Eve^thing 
in the universe is in motion and governed by force of one 
kind or another, or by two or more forces combined. Heat is 
the great force in nature in opposition to gravity. Heat 
carries material things from the earth, can be seen, and is 
substantial. Heat is an attenuating foice and is the most 
important remedial agent in the whole Materia Medica. 

The properties of a medicine constitutes its force: and so 
of a food. The force of plant growth is absorption. The 
force of a substance gives character to that substance. The 
force of an agent when administered changes the condition 
of the man. 

Living matter is the seat of vital action, non-living mat- 
ter is the seat of chemical phenomena. When the vital 
force deserts living matter ,then chemical force decom- 



22 THERAPEUTICS. 

poses and breaks it up into compounds. Matter assumes 
one of three forms; 

Matter about to become living, 

Matter actually living, or 

Matter that has lived. 
Such is the conversion ot pabulum into bioplasm and sub- 
sequently into formed material. 

The first stage of life in all forms of organism is bioplasm 
which is transparent, colorless, structureless and semi- 
fluid, exhibiting certain peculiar motions, changes of shape 
and dimensions as influenced by the vital force and sur- 
rounding circumstances. But the vital force dose not act 
thus on any other form of matter. Pabulum is fluid, but a 
reduction in volume takes place when converted into bio- 
plasm, and a still further reduction takes place in being 
converted into formed material, hence the necessity for 
the regular supply of proper pabulum. In condensation 
bioplasm is formed into cells or tissue elements. These cells 
unite in definite arrangement and form tissues, structures, 
organs and the living body. 

The motion observed in living matter is vital action and 
the result is function. There can be vital action and no 
function, because there is living matter, where there is no 
structure, without which there can be no function, and yet 
there is vital action. 

The ultimate intended result of all organism is the re- 
production of its kind, and the starting point is bioplasm. 

Food subtances are such as furnish proper pabulum for 
the sustenance and reproduction of bioplasm during nor- 
mal action. 

Remedies are substances whose constituents are es- 
pecially adapted to arouse and sustain extraordinary act- 
ions of bisplasm during disease. 

A poison is a substance having an inherent deleterious 
property, rendering it capable of destroying life in some 
degree by whatever avenue it is taken into the system. A 
substance ordinarily capable of destroying bioplasm can 
not be classed as a true remedy. Poisons produce disease: 
they are given for that purpose; hence their presence in the 
system is physiologically criminal. True medicine acts in 
harmony with the wants of the vital force in it's opposition 
to disease. The one legitimate object of medicine is the res- 
toration of the diseased body to a state of health. This is the 
line of action of the vital force and when nature calls for 



THERAPEUTICS. 23 

help, true medication must answer that call by harmonious 
action. Vital action arouses all its energies to resist dis- 
ease and prevent death, thus frequently cures are effected 
without medicine. Blood, bone and muscle cannot be fur- 
ished by any chemical process; but by suitable pabulum for 
bioplasm which shall beome formed material and organic 
structures, Id the blood we find fluid plasma holding in 
solution nutrients for the white blood corpuscles which are 
semi-fluid, converting digested food substances into its 
own substance and finally into red blood corpuscles which 
carry oxygen throughout the entire body and maintain 
vitality. 

All things influence the organism either favorably orun- 
f a vorably, either increasing or diminishing the chances of 
life by the supply of proper or improper pabulum. These 
chances are also varied by external circumstances, changes 
of temperature, violence, habits and labor. 

In the work of restoration the attempt must be to re- 
store to some extent the opposite condition of that abnorm- 
ally existing. If the parts are congested apply heat and 
relieve the circulation. If the body is emaciated give 
proper food and sustain digestion. If there be too much 
relaxation stimulate to the relief of such abnormal relax- 
ation. If there be too much rigidity, relax to the relief of 
that rigidity. 

Diseased tissues are already weakened; and agents that 
carry the tissues from the normal will act as still farther 
causes of disease, because the diseased parts are more or 
less incapable of resistance. 

Narcotics benumb the body disable bioplasm, debilitate 
the heart, weaken the nerves and interfere with a speedy 
recovery. Narcotics may and do ease pain; but they debil- 
itate the vital force at the time she needs all her energies. 
Do you recognize an imperfect or perverted act of the 
vital force? Do not narcotize but determine the cause; as- 
certain the necessities cf the vital force and medicate ac- 
cordingly, with the utmost discrimination. 

Excitement is a function, excessive in action because of 
some injurious impression having been made, but that ex- 
citement is the grand medium for the removal of obstruc- 
tions, and for the maintainence of[normal action. So with 
fever and inflammation. They are but indications of na- 
ture for your guidance in order to proper medication. Na- 
ture throws her special energy where most needed, so 



24 THERAPEUTICS. 

with a cough, it is a vital act for the purpose of removing 
some offending substances from the lungs, bronchi, or 
larynx. To narcotize the patient so that he cannot cough 
might leave nature helpless in the presence of dangerous 
substances she by that cough is trying to dislodge. 

It is better that functional disturbances exalt thesystem 
above normal, then that the whole system be so depressed 
that the circulation be below normal. Either condition 
would respectively express the resistive power of the vital 
force. Departure from the normal may be in extremely var- 
ied degrees, and remedial measures must be similarly varied. 

Different parts of the body may be in different-conditions 
at the same time; thebow T els may be tense and the skin lax: 
the head may be hot and brain hypersemic and the feet 
cold; the heart pulsations may be much above normal and 
yet the surface may not be hot, even warm; there may be a 
tense uterus while the limbs are cold and clammy. 

Some organs that are closely related may be either sim- 
ilarly or dissimilarly affected. Both liver and stomach may 
be relaxed, and yet we frequently find the stomach relaxed 
while the liver is tense and engorged. The uterus and 
urethra may both be influenced or the one only may suffer 
inflammation. 

The human system is a most wonderful commingling of 
tissues, structures and organs demanding most careful 
study of him who would be a physician, and yet in the art 
of curing disease we can but influence to contract and re- 
lax with varied degrees of rapidity and energy in imita- 
tion of nature's way of useing these structures in health. 
Remedies must be combined according to the structures to 
be impressed, and in strength or dose according to the 
remedial impressions desired. Make your compounds as sim- 
ple as possible. Do not think that because from 25 to 50 drugs 
are combined in a preparation that it is a panacea. 

Three principles of influence pervade the entire science 
of medicine Relax, Stimulate. Astringe- These three 
well applied are your passwords 10 the inner sanctum of 
success. The * hole person or some of his parts may be 
too rigid as we find in hysteria, convulsions, chordee, tet- 
anus, or stiff neck. Here our medication must be of a relaxing 
cbaiacter. But the whole person or some part may be too 
much relaxed as in anaemia, night sweats, paralysis, chorea 
apoplexy, epilepsy, nervous prostration, diarrhoea, or leu- 
corrhcea. Here there is a necessity for medication that will 



THERAPEUTICS. 25 

be stimulating and sustaining to nerve sensibility. 

In the treatment of disease make your patient's food 
subservient to your medication. Have proper food, proper- 
ly prepared and regularly given. Then both food and med- 
icine will become instrumental under the vital force in 
the restorative act Some foods are stimulating in their 
nature as graham flour, beef, beets, cranberries, parsley. 
sour apples, pie plant. Some foods are astringent as boiled 
milk, thickened milk, fine flour, crab apples, arrow root. 
Some foods are relaxing to the system, as turnips, sweet 
apples, asparagus. Great care must be taken that the pat- 
ient be nor led too much. More food can be given than 
can be assimilated, or the wrong class of foods may be giv- 
en. 

An excess of either food or medicine, or the wrung 
kind of either food or merUcine though either in themselves 
may be innocent, may place tissues in such condition that 
for the time being they can be but imperfectly used by 
the vital force. What folly it would be to use lobelia in 
paralysis or apoplexy; or to use asclepias tuberosa in malig- 
nant diphtheria; or to use tannin in case of constipation. 
Each food or medicine holds a more or less fixed relation to 
the organism, and expends its influence on particular 
tissues or organs. Syr. juglans cinerea especially influences 
the lower bowel: leptandra virg. influences the liver tubu- 
li: ipomea jalapa influences the alvine mucous membrane: 
eupatorium purpureum influences the kidneys and asclep- 
ias tuberosa influences the skin. This will ordinarily be as 
true if these agents, two or more of them, be combined as 
when used separate. 

But how shall we form a correct estimate of an agent as 
to its remedial effects in order to our selection of a sanative 
remedial agent. No correct estimate can be formed usually 
unless there be numerous observations of the influer.ee of 
the agent by itself. The effect of large and small doses 
must be carefully observed as also the cumulative effect of 
continuous doses. The patient must be carefully watched to 
see if the vital force gives a favorable or unfavorable re- 
sponse. Can it be given persistently without any destruc- 
tive influence to bioplasm. Here the skillful use of the mi- 
croscope is very valuable. Then too we must take into 
consideration that chemical union may have much to do in 
forming innocent compounds out of otherwise deleterious 
substances. 



2(1 THERAPEUTICS. 

Let us take a few examples of substances that are ordi- 
narily used as medicines. 

Strychnine acts quickly, within ten or fifteen minutes- 
The person first complains of stiffness about the neck and 
presents the aspects of terror. There is an impression of 
calamity or death. Soon the head is jerked back, the limbs 
extended, the back tetanic and the mouth drawn, in a few 
minutes these symptoms pass and there is relaxation, but 
on the slightest movements of the body these spasmodic 
efforts return, and usually continue tell the body siiccumbs 
in about a half hour. One forty-thousandth part of a 
grain of strychi ine will destroy living tissue. Such is its 
action in death toxic doses. We could not recommend this 
agent. 

Aconite and its alkaloid aconitine will prove fatal in 
1-16 gr. dose. It produces a peculiar burning, tingling and 
numbness of the parts to which it is applied. Large doses pro- 
duce violent vomiting and more or less paralysis of motion 
and sensation, great depression of the heart and death from 
syncope. Intelligence remains until the last. This drug 
is not such as we could recommend. 

Belladonna and atropine dilate the pupils, and give 
a rapid pulse, a hot, dry, flushed skin, and an eruption sim- 
ilar to scarlatina, soreness of throat, difficulty of swallow- 
ing, intense thirst and a gay mirthful delirum. Neither 
could we recommend this agent. 

Chlorine 8f Bromine are powerful irritants. Inhaled 
fumes provokes spasms of the glottis and then induces in- 
flammation of the respiratory mucous membrane, which 
may prove fatal. These drugs we could not recommend. 
Mercury (Hydrargyrum) is given internally, chiefly for 
two purposes, to check inflammation and promote absorption 
and to antagonize syphilitic virus. In continued doses 
it produces salivation, first giving a metalic taste, then 
soreness of the gums, an undue flow of saliva and foetor 
of breath. Then come swelling of the tongue, ulceration 
of the mouth and disease of the jaw bones. The blood be- 
comes impoverished and the loss of flesh and feverishness 
ensues. Its action on the liver is uncertain. Inhalation of 
its fumes gives tremor of the nerves. 

Calomel (Hg. CI.), subchloride of mercury is one of 
the mildest forms of mercury. Et acts on the secretory or- 
gans and stimulates the Kver and intestinal glands to in- 
creased activity. Jalap is usually added as a purgative. 



THERAPEUTICS. 27 

Calomel increases hepatic action and thence peristaltic 
acti6n, but it exhausts the liver by excessive stimulation 
and leaves it more or less congested which may lead to 
to chronic enlargement, tenderness, hardening, abscesses 
and cancer. Hence we could not make this agent a part of 
of our materia medica. 

Opium gives at first a feeling of exaltation. Then 
symptoms of cerebral congestion with face suffused or cy- 
anosed and pupils contracted with skin hot and dry. breath- 
thing slow, deep and finally stertorous. In approaching 
unconsciousness the person may be aroused by shouting in 
the ear and then will respire more rapidly. Then comes 
prostration, coma more or less profound, pupils become pin- 
points and then widely dilated toward the end of life. Res- 
piration now slows, the face becomes pallid and cyanosed 
and a heavy perspiration follows which is at first warm and 
then cold and clammy. The pulse increases and then feebles 
Mich is the action of opium in death-toxic doses. It carries 
every tissue into a dangerous state of insensibility, and 
hence cannot be considered a part of our materia medica. 

From these illustrations it is evident that poisons destroy 
bioplasm and carry the organs farther from the norma] 
standard, at least removes them more or less from under the 
control of the life power. Taken internally orapplied ex- 
ternally they produce disease and lengthen the period of 
sickness. We must confess that some poisons may be used 
for a time with seeming advantage. Calomel secures he- 
patic discharges and morphine usually secures sleep. 
There are times when such results are necessities. In fact 
many persons do take poisons and yet they live; and at 
times it would seem to be to some advantage in the restor- 
ation of certain faculties. How is it possible that we 
should destroy true life to save life and yet assist nature 
by the process of that destruction? It is claimed that if 
a new disease can be produced in the exact site of the one 
already existing, it may possibly supercede the latter, and 
if the new disease subside without injury, the patient may 
be cured. By other schools of medicine, poisons are 
given to produce disease, not accidentally nor incidental- 
ly but with the fullest intent. Some of these produce di- 
seased conditions which last through life, and 
the patients become miserable chronics. Frequently 
it is within the power of the organism to dispose of these 
poisons, but sometimes it results in death and then it is 



28 THERAPEUTICS. 

termed heart-failure. 

A poison then lias some deleterious property which ren- 
ders it capable of destroying life by whatever avenue it is 
taken into the system, whether by application, inhalation 
or imbibition and whether they be in their nature corrosive, 
inflammatory or such as effect the ner/es of sensation 
and motion. 

I have given these few examples of agents that we do n( it- 
wish to recognize in our materia medica. in order that we 
may see their unnatural influences and sequela?, and realize 
that they do not harmonize with rital efforts. Too often 
patients are recovering from some sickness with aching 
bones, stiffened joints, trembling nerves., and ruined diges- 
tion, abscesses on the lower limbs, decayed teeth or some 
difficulty clinging to them the rest of their days as the re- 
sult of poisonous treatment. Many a case is prolonged into 
weeks and months which could have been cured by Physio- 
Medical treatment in a much shorter period and without 
leaving unpleasant sequelae. 

To be able to relieve pain is both excellent and necessary. 
To this end many drugs have been used as morphine, co- 
deine, chloral, aconite, belladonna, the bromides, phenace- 
tine, antikamnia &c. Morphine perphaps stands first and 
is used to an alarming extent. If the ordinary Allopath 
of to-day were debarred from using whiskey, morphine. 
& quinine he would be almost compelled to give up business. 

In health there is no pain. All is ease and comfort. 
When some of the structures are not attuned to the vital 
force, uneasiness ensues and pain results. The intensity 
of pain will depend much on the tissues affected and the 
severity of the cause. Pain is not the disease, but is a con- 
sequence of disease, of some injury received or of the ac- 
cumulation of more or less morbific materials. The pres- 
ence of dust in the eye may produce pain; the accumula- 
tion of faeces may produce enteralgia; and presence of gall 
stone in the gall duct, or the descent of a calculus into the 
urethra may produce pain in these localities. If any of 
these conditions were present and no pain resulted, it 
would most assuredly indicate that the parts were too near- 
ly dead to recognize the presence of obstructions or make 
any struggle in order to relief. 

Pain is the announcement of something wrong in the 
system; the relief of pain is to be sought in the removal of 
that which gave rise to it. Morphine usually relieves, 



THERAPEUTICS. 29 

but it is at the expense of vitality. It relieves no obstruc- 
tions, re-establishes no suppressed functions, relieves ihe 
system of no offending substances, but usually leaves 
the nervous system much irritated and the whole system 
less able to eliminate the provoking cause, and less liable 
to recognize remedial measures Sensibility is benumbed 
and the causes of disease are left to care for themselves. 
Benumbed sensibility is not natural sleep and hence not as 
beneficial as natural sleep. In the latter the whole system 
is at rest: in the former the vital force is. so far as it is 
not benumbed, in a state of resistance. Physiologically an 
exalted sensibility is to be preferred See the wrecks nar- 
cotics leave; with muscles weak and motion irregular, with 
nerves in universal tremor and nutrition impaired; with 
the foundation of intelligence prostrated they resemble the 
inebriate, poor emaciated wrecks, mentally and physically. 
Insanity from this cause is least amenable to treatment. 

It is frequently urged that the size of the dose deter- 
mines whether the agent be a poison. But this is not poss- 
ible. Whether the dose be an innnitessimal one or one of al- 
lopathic proportions cannot change the real character of 
the agent. The results of either dose of the same strength 
of the agent will be proportionate to the size of the dose 
and of the ability of vitality to resist. Quantity can- 
not alter quality. The Homeopath understands this in the 
administering of his infinitissimal close. A small dose will 
excite less vital resistance and will be the more surely 
lodged in the system. 

But we hear it said that some poisons provide certain 
needed elements to the body. They seem to forget that 
dead matter and not living matter or the living man. is the 
proper domain of chemistry. 

Because a substance is found in the gastric juice after 
death is not always evidence that the substance was there 
during life in normal action. Blood and bone and mus- 
cle are manufactured by no chemical process, but under 
the influence of the vital force in the distributing of 
proper pabulum for the growth of bioplasm, and thence 
formed material. Man is a vital structure and not a chem- 
ical labratory. 

The Materia Medica of Physio-Medicalism is replete 
with agents that are perfectly safe and powerful in assist- 
ing the vital force in the work of restoration. They cure 
rapidly, effectually and without benumbing the system or 



30 THERAPEUTICS. 

causing- disease. Such a system meets the approval of 
every man's common sense, stands the surest test of scien-. 
tine criticism and shows its superiority over all other sys- 
tems. Indeed we plead a grand reform in the theory and 
practice of medicine; a complete revolution in the art 
of healing, and demand that true medicine is a science 
and not a mass of arbitrary dictums. Physio-Medicalism 
demands the highest place in Medical Education, requir- 
ing exact observation of all physiological phenomena, for 
these are our accurate guide in all our efforts to cure. 

Frequently you will hear it said by physicians of other 
schools that your cases were not so ill as theirs. This is an 
unintentional compliment. It is good evidence that their 
use of poisons complicate disease and make their cases 
worse. We medicate in harmony with nature and our 
cases are soon cured. 

All drugs do not influence the same class of tissues: 
each agent has its favorite locality for its special influence 
and each has its own peculiar mode of action. Leptandra 
virg. influences the secretory tubuli of the liver, eupator- 
ium purpur. influences the kidneys: arctostaphylosuva ursi 
influences the urinary mucous membrane; solidago cana- 
densis stimulates and tones the alvine mucous membrane: 
cornus florida is an astringent to the mucous membrane: 
asclepias tuberosa influences the skin and capillary circu- 
lation, lobelia inflata relaxes muscular and nerve tissue; 
caulophyllum lends special influence to the uterine nerves, 
while scutelaria is a general stimulating nervine, Thus 
it is evident that the same remedy may be made to subserve 
a valuable purpose in more than one disease. 

The functions of organs and tissues are animal and veg- 
etative or organic. Animal functions comprise locomotion 
innervation and special sense. The organic comprise diges- 
tion, absorption, circulation, respiration, secretion, gener- 
ation, and the developement of heat, light and electricity. 
Medicine does not produce function; this is the work of the 
organism. Each medicine makes its own peculiar impres- 
sions by going the round of the circulation. Contact, pene- 
tration and absorption must take place prior to complete 
impression. Get your agents to the place where they are- 
most needed and by the shortest route possible. The nerve 
structures and ganglia convey remedial impressions, 
and by these and the circulation, the influence of some 
medicines is almost instantaneous. This is well exempli- 



THERAPEUTICS. 3] 

tied in the influence of the third preparation of lobelia, 

wherein is combined intense stimulation and relaxation. 
Symptoms are abnormal functions dependent upon certain 
diseased conditions. The symptom is the sequent rather 
than the diseased condition. The symptom is not the di- 
sease and is not the thing- to be medicated. As soon as the 
diseased condition is removed the symptom is not present. 
To medicate symptoms leads to narcotism and to specific 
remedies for special symptoms. 

Each abnormal condition usually manifests a plurality 
of symptoms. The relation and inter-relation of organs. 
tissues and structures necessarily leads to the involving 
of adjacent and related structures. 

Pain is not always manifested in the diseased part, but 
is sometimes felt at some distance from the part diseased. 
A pain or uneasiness felt under the left shoulder blade will 
frequently be the result of a chronically inflamed ovary. 
The same cause has frequently given rise to a pain down 
the inside of the thigh or at the knee. The patient is 
more or less congested and a diarrhoea following a period 
of constipation is the result. Your patient needs not to 
be narcotized to relieve that pain: equalize the circulation, 
relieve the congestion, and the pain ceases without the use 
of narcotics. Your patient has an aching back: it may he 
from some irritating cause in the kidneys, rectum, uterus 
or from one of several other causes. The cause must he 
sought and relieved. Your patient is nauseated or vomit- 
ing. It may be from some injury to the extremities, from 
some condition of the stomach, from pregnancy or from 
other causes. Ascertain the provoking cause and medi- 
cate accordingly, diagnose carefully the cause with the ut- 
most precision. It may be that your patient has a head- 
ache. Such might arise from one or other of a dozen causes. 
The ordinary headache powder may be far from relieving 
the cause of that headache. 

One thing is of especial importance: carefully differen- 
tiate between a normal vital effort, a vital effort resisting 
disease, and a vital effort under the influence of remedial 
measures. Carefully differentiate between the disease and 
the efforts of the vital force in resisting disease. 
Inflammation, fever and pain are not diseases, but physio- 
ogical manifestions of extraordinary bioplastic action. 
They are indications of the degree of vital action in the 
effort to overcome disease, whether it be for the removal of 



32 THERAPEUTICS. 

obstructions, the replacing of destroyed cells, or other 
important aids to the restoring of a healthy condition. 

Dysentery and diarrhoea are occasionally vital efforts to 
wash away through the alvine canal some offending sub- 
stances. 

Cough it a vital effort to cast off some material obstruct- 
ing the bronchi or pulmonary tubuli. 

In all cases of either extra or depressed vital effort, care- 
fully diagnose what must be the conditions present that 
should cause the vital force to put forth such efforts for its 
relief. Such diagnosis will furnish you the indications for 
scientific medication. The heart as the center of the cir- 
culation feels to a greater or less degree all deleterious im- 
pressions; and the greatest care must be used in diagnos- 
ing the true cause of whatever trouble may be present. A 
stomach with fermented contents may make one feel as if 
there is heart trouble; and so may hysteria. The heart 
quickens its. pulsations according to the arterial tension 
present. It is a great mistake to give antipyrine and drugs 
of that class, attempting to reduce fever by depressing the 
heart's action, instead of furnishing those agents which 
will relieve arterial and capillary tension, and thus relieve 
the necessity for the condition of the heart. Such drugs as 
antipyrine suppress vital manifestations instead of re- 
moving the causes. You are but a clerk about the vital 
establishment whose duty it is to act in harmony with the 
head of the firm in all its restorative acts, and not to at- 
tempt to paralyse its efforts. 

It is usually true that an agent will similarly influence 
organs either similar in .structure or intimately related 
Asclepias tuberosa influences the serous membrane, 
as well as the mucous membrane and the skin. 
Aristolochia serpentaria influences the circulation, 
the skin and the kidneys. Zingiber influences the circula- 
tion and the skin. Lobelia influences the nervous and mus- 
cular tissue. 
"Many remedies influence more than one structure, some 
are quite general in their influence, and yet many confine 
their chief influence almost entirely to one structure. 

Many agents having a general influence over the struct- 
ures will expend their force either where most needed or 
in the directions whither they may be influenced oy other 
medicines. In labor, lobelia will influence the os uteri 
more than elsewhere; while in croup, hepatitis, pleuritis, 



THERAPEUTICS. 3J 

bronchitis and pneumonia, lobelia will chiefly influence 
the part that most needs to be relaxed. Lobelia combined 
with honey or sugar, which are expectorants, will most- 
ly influence the lungs and bronchi and is an expectorant. 
Lobelia with laxatives will assist in producing catharsis. 

In a sensitive and irritated condition of the stomach, 
lobelia given in small doses and at regular intervals will 
give gentle relaxation, ease and comfort. But should the 
stomach be already too relaxed instead of irritated, lobelia 
would be much out of place. According then to the con- 
ditions present and the mode of administering, lobelia will 
either arrest emesis or produce emesis; leptandra will 
either produce catharsis or check catharsis; capsicum 
will either produce diaphoresis or check diaphoresis. But 
these conditions are not diseases but efforts of vitality to 
free the system of offending substances. The conditions 
present and the necessities therefor govern the action of 
the medicine. 

In labor where the pains are inefficient, capsicum will 
lend its principal influence to the uterus and become a 
first class parturient. In conditions of extreme torpor of 
of the liver, skin or bowels the influence of capsicum will 
be felt as required in either direction. 

In case of menstrual suppression cimicifuga racemosa 
will chiefly influence the uterus; in case of nervous irri- 
tability it will influence the entire nervous system, assist- 
ing in the relief of the irritability present: and yet in 
rheumatism its influence will be mostly felt by the serous 
membrane the part then most needing relief. 

Some agents influence two or more organs or classes of 
tissue. Such agents may be made to act principally on 
either by properly combining with some agent which acts 
more especially on one of them. Apocynum androsaemi- 
folium combined with an excess of eupatorium purpureum 
both will thoroughly influence the kidneys and be excel- 
lent for dropsy. It will do likewise if combined with ser- 
pentaria in cold infusion only, with a much more stimulat- 
ing influence. Many agents that influence the generative 
organs as caulophyllum, convallaria. mitchella. viburnum 
prun. and trillium, when combined with some agent or 
agents in excess that especially influence the respiratory 
organs, both agents will combine their influence upon the 
lungs. 

Some agents may be made to influence one of several or- 



34 THERAPEUTICS. 

gans by thus combining. Capsicum with hepatics acts on 
the liver; with cathartics influences the bovels; with 
medicines that influence the uterus it will extend its in- 
fluence in that direction; if the surface be congested cap- 
sicum with asclepias tub. will secure a good free perspira- 
tion; but if the skin be lax and the perspiration too free then 
capsicum either alone or in combination with some tonic 
will assist in stopping the excess. Uva ursi will assist in 
cystic catarrh or in vaginal leucorrhoea as may be needed 
or as influenced by other medicines. The same is true of 
convallaria multiflora. It tones the mucous membrane of 
the uterus or of the respiratory organs as required by 
the vital force or as influenced by other remedies. Hydras- 
tis is a very fine tonic to the stomach, but when combined 
with diuretics it will tone the renal organs: combined with 
cathartics it will tone the alvine canal; with hepatics it 
will tone the liver and portal circulation: and so when 
combined with agents that specially influence the genera- 
tive or the respiratory organs. 

In-some spasmodic conditions as asthma large quantities 
of lobelia may be given without producing emesis or even 
nausea. 

In case of gall stone large portions of saccharated podo- 
phyllin may be administered without nausea or excessive 
catharsis as it would do under other circumstances. 

Then too the mode of preparing a medicine and the 
mode of administering it have much to do with prod uee- 
ingthe desired influence. Saccharated podophyllin acts 
positively upon the gall ducts and gall cyst and tends to 
liquify the gall, but mm-saccharated podophyllin seems to 
have a more direct influence upon the bowels and produces 
catharsis. In hot infusion serpentaria influences diapho- 
resis, but cold preparations are diuretic. 

In hot infusion aralia hispidia influences the circulation 
and skin, but cold preparations are diuretic. In hot infus- 
ion anthemis nobilis influences the circulation, but cold 
preparations are tonic to the mucous membrane. 

The nearer the tissues are brought to the normal the 
greater will be the influence of the remedies used, for then 
the vital force makes the best use of these remedies. 
Hence the nearer the tissues assume their normal condition 
the less medicine will be necessary, and those medicines of 
less power will be preferred. If the skin be but slightly in- 
active it will take but little ascieplas tuberosa and zingiber 



THERAPEUTICS. 35 

to arouse capillary circulation and will be better than ser- 
pentaria for that purpose. If the liver be but slightly 
torpid, taraxacum will suit better than poriophyllin If the 
kidneys be but slightly ailing eupatorium purpureum will 
will be better than juniper. The recognition of these facts 
will enable you to administer your remedies with greater 
accuracy, and with greater benefit to your patient. It is 
as important to know how and when to stop medication, as 
to know how to begin medication. Never use strong med- 
icines nor larger doses in the beginning of your treatment, 
if not adsoiutely essential. 

It is also well that we carefully observe that indirect 
functional results may be due to vital action. One part 
may be diseased through sympathy with other diseased 
parts. Seek first to relieve the part first diseased, and if the 
involvement of the second part be not of too long standing. 
it too will soon be relieved. 

Cathartics as such do not act on the skin: and yet free 
catharsis will frequently be followed by more or less per- 
spiration. In cases of congestion or inflammation such 
catharsis may very profitably be followed by a thorough 
course of diaphoretics. Not unfrequently free catharsis 
will relieve a headache, especially if it be from a foul stom- 
ach or torpid liver: but it should be followed by liver 
medicines rather than the use of quinine as is popularly 
practiced. Hyperaemic condition^, are best relieved by 
equalizing the circulation. Catharsis and diaphoresis and 
sometimes emesis are the great means to be used for this 
purpose. 

Medicines are specific to conditions and not to disease as 
such. Diseases are to be studied each as a combination or 
complication of conditions. Remedies must be selected 
and used with reference to their ability to restore the tis- 
sues to their normal condition: medication must change as 
the conditions change. Treat the conditions as they are 
and change as developments may demand. Relaxation, 
stimulation and astringency are your watch words. These 
must be varied or combined to suit the conditions present 
at the time of prescribing. In acute diseases the changes 
must be watched, for they will be more frequent than in 
chronic cases, where the changes are less abrupt and usual- 
ly require more stimulation. Some cases need relaxation 
only, some need relaxation and stimulation; some need a- 
stringency, some stimulation and astringency: some need 



36 THERAPEUTICS. 

stimulation and some need stimulation and relaxation. 

Some agents are almost pure relaxants as asclepias tu- 
berosa. cypripediura pubescens and leptandra virginica. 
Some agents are pure stimulants as capsicum. Some agents 
are pure astringents as tannin, and some agents have these 
qualities combined in various degrees as myrica, cornus, 
and hamamelis. 

In selecting your agents as a rule use the depurative 
first to thoroughly cleanse the system. Then gently stim- 
ulate and tone as the case may demand. Relaxing agents 
expend their power more toward the surface, while the 
stimulating and astringent agents tend more toward the 
centres. 

T.eptandra virginica is an excellent hepatic favoring 
the secretion, of bile, but it is nearly always best to add 
some diffusive stimulant as zingiber, or some stimulating 
and toning agent as euonymous atropupureus or taraxacum 
densleonis. Even at times a little capsicum will assist. 
Capsicum is invaluable for its action on the heart and ar- 
teries, but in cases of nervous prostration its impressions 
are best diffused when combined with scutelaria. 

Relaxants are rendered more active by the addition of a 
diffusive stimuiant or a stimulant; as asclepias tuberosa 
and zingiber, or lobelia inflata and capsicum. In this last 
combination by the presence of the relaxant, the lobelia, 
the capsicum is rendered more diffusive: and its influence 
is felt more widely than had it been administe-ed by itself. 

Too much relaxation must be avoided, it may lead to ex- 
haustion. 

Hot water is a diaphoretic, hence the hot infusion of 
diffusive diaphoretics most readily secures diaphoresis. Cap- 
sicum is not a diaphoretic except in hot infusion: hot 
water gives it a diffusive tendency toward the surface from 
the heart. 

In the use of alterants it is best to give them by them- 
selves, using them in sufficent quantity to make a decided 
impression of whatever character is needed, 

Physics as a rule should be separate and should be given 
only as occaion demands and in quantity sufficient to pro- 
duce quick or tonic results as desired. Never allow the 
system to become accustomed to them. Instead thereof 
inculcate a positive habit of going to stool every morning 
immediately after the morning meal . 

Some medicines when rubbed upon the skin will exert 



THERAPEUTICS. 37 

more or iess of their influence by being absorbed. Lobelia 
applied over the lungs is an admirable relaxant. Applied 
over an ulcer or a denuded surface will produce nausea. 
This would readily prove the principle of absorption. Lep- 
tandra, apocynum androssemifolium and capsicum ap- 
plied over the liver and gall cyst will powerfully influ 
these organs. This is just as true of poisons. Mercury 
applied to the surface will produce salivation. Atropine 
applied to the eye will widely dilate the pupil. Opium 
will contract the pupil to a mere pinpoint. Cocaine will 
benumb the surface to which it is applied. The influence 
of medicines by absorption is slower but more permanent. 
The same is true whether it be of the skin, the rectum or 
the vagina. 

Hypodermic injections produce more rapid effect. Phys- 
io-medicalists need not throw aside the hypodermic needle 
because it has been in bad company and been used to inject 
poisons. Many of our agents may be used hypodermically 
and with good success. 

Medicines in liquid form and especially in hot infusion 
act with greater rapidity than those in solid or pill form. 
Resonoids usually require sometime to thoroughly dissolve 
if taken in capsule or otherwise. 

Syrup forms are best for coughs. Give in small doses and 
frequently, and direct that no water be taken immediately 
thereafter. 

In acute febrile cases the hot infusitm surpasses all other-. 
They open the pores and keep them open, so that an 
amount of detritus escapes from the body which would 
otherwise do mischief. The surface is more easily cleans- 
ed, and the patient is kept far more comfortable. The 
temperature is more readily reduced and in accordance with 
correct physiology the patient is more readily cured. 

Make your preparations as pleasant as possible. Use lit- 
tle sugar except in cough syrups and liver medicines. Use 
as little medicine as you can. but as much as you must to 
make your medicines effective Do not weary the organs "by 
continuing any medicine too long. Be careful in your diag- 
nosis; nevei fall into a routine practice; make your prescrip- 
tions with precision and confidence; keeping ever before 
you the infallible standard of normal anatomy and physi- 
ology and carefully estimate the variations therefrom. 

At times the stomach may be in such a condition as to 
prevent the acting of some medicines in cold forms. Then 



38 therapeutics: 

give hot water, hot infusions, an emetic, a physic, or all of 
them if needed. 

Poultices, fomentations and liniments are very valu- 
able aids in many conditions. In sprains, swellings, inflam- 
mations, congestions, abscesses or ulcers. Agents, relax- 
in _r. stimulating or astringent may be used as required by 
the conditions present. 

Rectal injections assist catharsis, relieve intestinal in- 
vagination, assist in emesis where you cannot give lobelia 
per orem. and in tetanus to secure thorough relaxation. 
Rectal injection is a valuable means of feeding and sus- 
taining the system when food cannot be retained by the 
stomach. 

Small closes of medicine frequently given will accumulate 
in force but each succeeding dose must be given before the 
former dose has expended its force within the system. 

Study well the temperament of your patient, the con- 
ditions of the structures affected, the age. the sex. the a- 
mount of vitality possessed by the patient, the locality and 
the general surroundings. Take all these things into con- 
sideration and then seek:— 

1. To relieve the alvine canal and the secernents. 

2. Equalize the circulation, relieving the surface and 
sustain the heart. 

3. Sustain and tone the nervous system. 

Some one or other of the secernents may be too tense or 
may be too lax, in either case torpor will arise and inac- 
tivity of the organs will result in more or less toxaemia. -It 
may be from torpidness of the liver and result in cholaemia. 
or from torpidness of the kidneys and uraemia be the result. 
Indeed both may be present at the same time and great 
prostration be the result. 

In relieving the secernents. care must be taken to ascer- 
tain the condition of each class of tissue. Each must be 
relaxed or stimulated as required. But no organ must be 
overworked to accomodate the condition of torpor in some 
other organ. It is frequently true that the kidneys are 
overworked to accomodate the torpor of the liver, perhaps 
not intentionally, but nevertheless in reality. Frequently 
the kidneys are found carrying off material that should 
have been carried ( ff by the liver. 

Influence each >ecernent to a degree resembling the nor- 
mal action of that secernent. In overcoming const ipat ion 
use only such medication as will assist in producing normal 



THERAPEUTICS. 39 

action of the bowels once daily. Such action will be tonic 
rather than forced action. Positively demand that the 
patient shall accomplish daily evacuation by persistent 
regularity of habit. For chronic cases where it will be 
necessary to medicate for sometime, it is best to make 
some slight change in medicine so that the system shall 
not weary of the medicine nor become accustomed to it. 

The system wearies of the long continued use even of 
the same diet. The quantity of food required differs very 
materially in different persons, but it should be proportion- 
ed to the general vigor and relative waste in each case. 

Some persons eat but little while others eat much and 
seem to be no better nourished. Some persons seem to use 
up all the nutriment taken into the system, while others 
lay up much adipose material. During sickness the for- 
mer class will require a more liberal diet than the latter 
class who can live long on the adipose material scattered 
throughout the body. Such persons will eat but little and 
yet seem to be well nourished. One trouble with such per- 
sons is that the secernents in fact all the organs are more 
or less prevented from doing their respective duties by be- 
ing clogged with a superabundance of this fatty material. 

Food substances contain starch, gluten and inorganic 
matter. A positive food can be converted into pabulum. 

Alimentation is the taking of food into the body, wheth- 
er it be per orem. per rectum or applied to the surface of 
the body. Nutrition includes all the processes by which the 
body is built up and sustained. The process of digestion 
consists in dissolving food substances so as to be readily 
taken up and filtered through the walls of the blood ves- 
sels. Reparation is the distribution of pabulum to the tis- 
sue elements and its being taken up by the living matter. 
Adipose tissue is composed of oil globules contained in 
dead cells. In inanition the cell of the globule is taken up 
by the tissue and used and the oil is eliminated by the se- 
baceous glands. It is this adipose tissue that gives rotund- 
ity to the frame and retains the animal heat. 

The body is made up of different systems as the osseous. 
the muscular, the nervous and the articular. 

The apparata are the circulatory, the digestive, the lach- 
rymal, the urinary and the reproductive. 

The accessories are the nervous and muscular tissue. 

The various tissues are bone, cartilage, fibrous, elastic, 
muscular, nervous, cellular and adipose. 



40 THERAPEUTICS. 

Albumen, fibrin and earthy salts are the results of the 
death of living matter, and these can only become living 
matter by becoming suitable pabulum for other living 
matter. 

The nutritious fluids are blood, chyme, chyle and lymyli. 

The secretory fluids are saliva, gastric juice, bile, pan- 
creatic juice, intestinal fluids, lachrymal, mucous and 
serous fluids. 

The excretory products are sudoriferous and sebaceous 
perspiration and urine, carbonic acid gas from living air 
cells, billiary salts and lachrymal fluid. 

Secretion is the taking of a fluid into the circulation with 
out causing any special disturbance. An excretion is not de- 
signed for the circulation, and is hence cast off. The mouth, 
stomach and intestines constitute one continuous canal. 

That which influences the one either for good or for evil 
in any particular will more or less influence the entire 
tract. As all mucous tracts are external, food is not taken 
inside till it enters the circulation. The structural ar- 
rangement of all glands is the same whether secretory or ex- 
cretory. The glands are emptied by the action of invol- 
untary structures. Peyers patches are not glands as they 
have no ducts. They are poorly nourished and have but lit- 
l le circulation, and when this circulation is interrupted in 
the structures about them, their nourishment is cut off 
and results in sloughing as in typhoid fever, and may re- 
sult in perforation of the bowel, and peritonitis and death 
soon follows. 

The pancreas and liver are accessory to intestinal diges- 
tion. The gastric and peptic glands and juices are dissol- 
vents. The pancreatic juice emulsifies the fats The bile is 
not well emulsified fat. The gall cyst is its receptacle, 
and the solidifying of the gall forms gall stones much as 
the accumulation of solids in the bladder forms calculi. 

Starch is hydrated and then filtered into the blood. 
The intestinal juice converts the starch into sugar. The 
lymphatics are vessels situated in nearly all parts of 
the body and look knotted where the valves are located. 
Lymphoid bodies are capsules endowing parenchyma and 
celular tissue and in the channels of which are white 
blood corpusies. 

The liver is the largest gland in the body. By fissures 
this gland is divided into lobes and these again are divid- 
ed into lobules which are composed of hepatic cells fitting 



THERAPEUTICS. 41 

closely together; polygonal in shape, one surface present- 
ing to the blood vessels, portal veins, hepatic arteries and 
veins. The billiary ducts are vessels between the hepatic 
cells having racemose glands on the outer surface which are 
secretory. The hepatic cells are excretory. The function of 
the liver is to furnish bile and perhaps to secrete sugar, 
fts physiological products are mainly secretory. There 
are secretory lobules and excretory tubuli and ducts, and 
a much larger venous than arterial circulation. Diag- 
nose carefully the condition of each class of tissues and 
medicate accordingly. Some remedies act mainly on the 
secreting side of the liver, while others influence chiefly 
the excreting department, while otheis influence both in 
varying degrees, and others chiefly influence the portal 
circulation. Whenever the secretory organs are affected 
the circulation soon shows the effect in itself, and other 
organs soon become affected. Torpor of the liver leads lo 
more or less disease throughout the body, and upon the re- 
lief of that torpor other abnormal conditions will begin 
to subside. 

Both the secreting and excreting functions of the liver 
must be carefully watched. The secreting function may 
be normal and yet there may be cholamna. The excreting 
function may be torpid and the bile though secreted in 
quantity sufficient, hardens in the gall cyst ana gall stones 
may be the result. 

The bile must now be quickly liquified or the most in- 
tense pain may result. 

In chola^mia as well as in uraemia, hot only is the circu- 
lation oppressed but the nervous system also deeply feels 
its influence. The liver is usually the most torpid organ 
of the body and usually requires more medication 
than any other organ. Even after it has assumed its nor- 
mal action it is frequently best to continue for a short time 
a sustaining or toning treatment. 

In the treatment of fever, whether of typhoid or mias- 
matic origin this is especially true: for it must be remem- 
bered that «i large amount of detritus and viri are elimi- 
nated through the liver and kidneys as w T ell as by way of 
the skin. 

Medicines chiefly influencing the alvine tract have been 
variously classed, but we shall here denominate them lax- 
atives, carthartics and intestinal tonics, according to the 
intensity of their ability to cleanse the intestines of their 



42 THERAPEUTICS. 

contents and their ability to subsequently tone the mucous 
membrane. 

Laxatives exert but a gentle influence upon the intestinal 
mucous membrane and are the best when that membrane 
is in a tense condition. 

Cathartics are more powerful and are intended to 
thoroughly cleanse the alvine canal 

Intestinal tonics are intended to stimulate and tone the 
alvine mucous membrane to normal action. 

Those agents chiefly influencing the liver and assisting 
mainly in the secretion of bile are denominated hepatics; 
and those influencing the excretory function of the liver 
and gall cyst are denominated cholagogues. The bile excret- 
ed into the duodenum not only assists in the process of in- 
testinal digestion but also influences normal catharsis. An 
excess of bile excreted at any one time may produce 
free catharsis. 

Of those medicines that influence the alvine mucous 
membrane, some a~e intestinal tonics and do not particular- 
ly influence catharsis, as hydrastis, some preparations of 
ferrum, gentiana, rhamnus purshiana and others 
Other agents are tonic cathartics, influencing the peristal- 
tic action of the bowels, lead to catharsis and leave the 
bowels more toned for future action, as juglans cinerea. 
Still other agents are strictly cathartics and influence 
chiefly the cleansing of the bowels as ipomea jalapa, cas- 
ia angustifolia, rhamnus catharticus and others. There 
results at times from persistent constipation or from other 
causes a semi-paralysed condition of the lower bowel. In 
such cases some positive stimulant or diffusive stimulant 
is needed to be combined with tonic cathartics. 

One thing is positively essential; the exact condition 
of each tissue cr class of tissues must be careful]} diag- 
nosed, and the abnormal condition relieved. The liver may 
be too lax or too tense to normally secrete biie: 
the gall ducts may be closed by hardened bile, or the mu- 
cous membrane may be too dry, irritated or sensitive. 
Catharsis merely will not relieve the liver except what 
may be derived from the relaxation following catharsis: 
neither will catharsis merely relieve the gall cyst: the 
thoroughly relaxing influence of lobelia may so relax the 
gall ducts as to relieve them of gall stone and yet lobelia 
is neither a cathartic, hepatic, nor chologogue. 
Leptandra virgin ica influences chiefly in the secretion 



THERAPEUTICS. 43 

of bile; podophyllin is a cholagogue: ju^lans cinerea is a 
tonic cathartic, while rhamnus catharticus is a cathartic. 

Many agents have two or more of these qualities. Eu- 
onymous atropupureus and taraxacum dens leonis are ton- 
ics influencing both sides of the liver, and the gastric and 
intestinal mucous membrane as well. If the gall ducts are 
occluded, to give leptandra virginica would be to add to 
the misery of your patient by further distending the gall 
cyst. If the gall ducts are free, but the liver fails to se- 
crete sufficient bile, then podophyllin would not be the 
agent to use: ieptandra with some diffusive stimulant 
would be preferable, or some tonic agent might be better 
still as enonymous. Dyspepsia is not cured by mere ca- 
tharsis, neither is chronic constipation. In dyspepsia, 
though the liver may be at fault, and there may be consti- 
pation, yet the mucus membrane itself is at fault. 

Diarrhoea as well as constipation may either of them be 
a result of a failure of the liver to secrete and excrete bile. 
Do not expect to cure persistent constipation by the con- 
tinued use of cathartics: these must be followed, when 
used, by a I vine tonics. 

Disease in one part of the al vine canal i- not unfre- 
quently felt throughout its extent. A sore throat may 
frequently be relieved by a good physic. In fact you need 
not ordinarily expect to cure throat diseases and torpid 
stomach troubles except by first thoroughly cleansing the 
intestinal tract, it may be by both emesis and catharsis. 
The same is true in the treatment of fevers, and indeed in 
the treatment of a majority of diseases: the alvine canal 
and its accessories demand first attention. 

Here again we have certain agents that will extend their 
influence as the system requires or as influenced by other 
medicines. Capsicum is not a cathartic, but may be macfe 
to lend its stimulating power to cathartics in cases of ex- 
treme intestinal torpor. 

Lobelia is not a cathartic, but may be made to lend its 
relaxing influence to cathartics in spasmodic conditions. 

Normal secretion and excretion of bile is usually suffi- 
cient to stimulate to ordinary intestinal evacuations. An 
excessive discharge may produce a temporary diarrhoea. 

Rectal irrjtctions may frequently be used to assist cathar- 
sis. These injections may be medicated and rendered 
stimulating or relaxing as desired. 

Zingiber is not a cathartic, but is a fine diffusive stimu- 



44 THERAPEUTICS. 

lant to add to cathartics to prevent tenesmus and to ren- 
der them more stimulating, diffusive and toning. Zingiber 
may he added to hepatics and tonic hepatics for the same 
reason. 

Cathartics should only be occasionally administered; 
only when really demanded. Tonic cathartics are a better 
class of agents for persistent use, and these only as really 
demanded. When there is a weak stomach it is frequently 
best to administer the physic in broken doses. Excessive 
evacuations may lead to intestinal irritation. Aim to 
secure one free evacuation of the bowels each day. It is 
altogether probable that much of your practice will con- 
cern the digestive tract and hence it is well to be thor- 
oughly prepared to meet every possible issue that may 
arise. 

Diuretics induce a more or less increased flow of urine 
which may or may not include much of the solids. Some 
agents increase the flow of the watery portion only, while 
other agents induce a marked increase of solids. 

The fact that during diaphoresis the kidneys are less 
active is well worth noting when you have occasion to treat 
the opposite condition: in case of excessive or exhaustive 
renal discharges, diaphoresis to some degree should be in- 
duced. Resort may also be had to the vapor bath or to the 
hot water bath. During hot weather as a rule the flow of 
urine is less than in cold weather. So in case of general 
congestion, the kidneys are more or less burdened until 
the surface is relieved. 

During the relaxation which follows a paroxysm or a 
hysterical convulsion there will usually be a free flow of 
urine. The same will frequently be a result following 
some considerable fright or excitement, whether of sorrow 
or of joy. 

It is frequently true that too much medical attention is 
given to the kidneys. It is observed that they are not do- 
ing their duties properly, but we must not forget that 
when we search for a cause it will not always be found in 
the kidneys. The liver is frequently torpid and bile which 
should have been carried off by way of the gall cys f is 
eliminated by way of the kidneys. In such case the liver 
and not the kidneys is the organ to be medicated. As a 
rule the proper stimulation and relief of the liver is a 
great relief to the kidneys. Then too. constipation has 
much to do when there is already irritation of the urinary 



THERAPEUTICS. 45 

tract, in increasing that irritation. Constipation will ren- 
der a case of gonorrhea or gleet much worse than it would 
be otherwise, Keep the bowels free and the liver active 
and urethral irritation will be much less. Urethral irri- 
tation, if continued long, may induce vaginal and possibly 
uterine irritation. 

The amount of excretion daily from the kidneys varies 
from 20 to 60 ounces. Its normal specific gravity is about 
1020. but may range from 1010 to 1050. A specific gravity 
of 1030 or more indicates the presence of a superabundance 
of sugar, as in diabetes. A low specific gravity and dimin- 
ished quantity indicates albuminaria. A persistent foam 
in urine indicates the necessity for a careful investigation 
for the presence of either sugar or albumen. Highly col- 
ored urine indicates the presence of an excess of solids, at 
times amounting to a so-called brick-dust sediment. In 
such condition the urine is usually scanty. 

The reaction of normal urine when voided is acid, but 
after standing some time it becomes more or less alkaline. 

Relaxing nervines as nepeta cataria, cypripedium pubes- 
cens or lobelia inflata usually increase the flow of urine 
upon the general principle of relaxation. Those agents 
gently stimulating to the mucous membrane as uva ursi, 
hamamelis, hydrastis or altbea will usually increase the 
urinary flow. 

In cases of more or less paralysis of the urinary apparata 
a diffusive stimulant as zingiber or serpentaria should be 
added to diuretics, and at times even the more positive 
stimulant capsicum, in order to secure a free flow of urine. 

The female genito — urinary apparata are so situated 
and related that agents that influence the one will usually 
influence the other. 

There may be a persistent scantiness of urine which may 
lead to an accumulation of solids and thence to the forma- 
tion of calculi. Aralia hispidia, capsella bursa pastoris, 
agropyrum repens, mentha viridis, arctostaphylos uva 
ursi, eupatorium purpureum will each secure more or less 
freeness of urine and thus prevent the accumulation of 
solids. Juniperus communis, barosma betulina, sabal ser- 
rulata, piper cubeba are stimulating diuretics. 

Urinalysis is a valuable aid in diagnosing the exact con- 
dition of each class of tissue and the microscope is a valu- 
able assistant in determining the character of the solids 
evacuated. The diagnosis of disease by means of urinaly- 



46 THERAPEUTICS. 

sis and microscopy is an attainment worthy your best ef- 
forts. Each disease presents some more or less distinct 
appearances in the urine. 

The liver, kidneys, and spleen are the cess pools of the 
body. It is-of the greatest importance that these be kept 
well cleansed and sufficiently active to prevent uryemic or 
cholasmic poisoning to the general system. Typhoid fever 
requires some stimulation for the kidneys and so does 
dropsy; but in neither case would over-stimulation be ap- 
propriate. In typhoid fever it wouid be very likely to lead 
to depression. In dropsy the mere elimination of water 
would not be a cure of the condition present. The diet 
may have much to do with troubles of the urinary tract, 
and frequently a change of the daily dietary will be all 
that is necessary, or at least with but little medicine. 

The circulation of the blood cannot be too carefully 
studied, and frequently demands the utmost care in medi- 
cation. With the h. j art as the centre, the capillaries at 
the extremes and the arteries and veins connecting these 
extremes, each demands proper medication for the condi- 
tion in which each may be found. The capillaries are the 
delicate vessels connecting the arterioles and venules and 
thus completing the circulation of the blood. Their walls 
are very thin and allow the exuding of the blood from the 
arterial to the venous system. The centre and propelling- 
power of the circulation is the heart; the arteries convey 
the blood from the heart and the veins bring it back again 
for purification. The normal heart pressure on the caplla- 
ries is about 48 pounds to the square in^h. The weight of 
blood compared to t'ue weight of the body is about V2\ per 
cent., giving an average of about 18 pounds. 

Amemia is a more or less bloodless condition, llypene- 
mia presents an abnormally increased supply of blood to a 
part. Congestion is an accumulation or overflow of blood 
in a part from mechanical obstruction, and precedes in- 
flammation. It is an indication of biopiastic failure to 
withstand unnatural surroundings. The vital force has 
been compelled to more or less yield to some temporarily 
superior obstructive influence. 

Inflammation is increased vital energy in a part, result- 
ing in more or less redness, swelling and pain. There is 
an increased nutritive activity usually according to the 
demand, and resulting in new formations. This in inflam- 
mation indicates the degree of vital resistance present, or 






THERAPEUTICS. 47 

indicates the necessity therefor. The capillary walls be- 
ing distended, their walls are much thinner and possess 
greater transparency and hence show a brighter arterial 
redness in the parts. The swelling is caused by the more 
or less obstructed flow of blood through the parts, and the 
still further increased flow as a result of increased vital 
energy. 

The epidermis is composed of dead cells in a more or less 
mummified state. Some of these are constantly falling 
off. The surface of the body needs very especial attention 
from the physician. The skin has its circulation and its 
two sets of excretory glands — the sudoriferous and the se- 
baceous. 

A full, free and well proportioned circulation in all parts 
of the body is essential to health and pleasure. Aim at all 
times at the maintenance of such circulation. Let the 
extremities be warmed by it, and the brain and trunk not 
overcrowded. Relieve hyperemia and anaemia so that the 
blood makes its complete circulation in proper time, in 
proper quality and in proper quantity, and the equilib- 
rium is restored. 

Each disease makes itself felt on the circulation in one 
way or another. This is why we feel the pulse to discern 
its character, and thus to diagnose the degree of vital re- 
sistance, the character of that resistance and the general 
ability of the vital force to still further resist— whether 
sthenic or asthenic. Thus it will appear that the vascu- 
lar tissue may become too relaxed, too tense or more or 
less irritable. 

The pulse and the to- gue are the two great indexes to 
the abnormal conditions of the body. The former indicates 
the degree that the abnormal condition is. felt by the cir- 
culation, and the latter the degree that it is felt by the 
digestive organs. It is not unfrequently true that if the 
secernents are relieved, many other abnormal conditions 
will cease. The cleansing of the liver, gall cyst, stomach, 
bowels, kidneys and skin will secure normal action of the 
heart and of the arterial and venous circulation. Espe- 
cially do we find this to be true in the treatment of typhoid 
and other fevers. This is the way to reduce the tempera- 
ture physiologically. This leaves no depression of the 
heart, but seeks to establish an equilibrium of the circula- 
tion, a thing which antipyrine, oelladonna, aconite or 
veratrum cannot do. These last agents leave the system 



48 THERAFKUIICS. 

•more depressed and less able to care for itself. Sucli dele- 
terious agents can but lead to more or less depression of 
the circulation and finally to heart failure. 

If the secernents are not first freed, the blood current 
becomes more clogged with impuritie«, and the vital effort 
is necessarily more intense in action, the blood vessels 
become more irritated from the presence of abnormal con- 
tents and thence become abnormally tense and narrowed 
and able to carry only a smaller amount of blood at each 
pulsation. The blood current must have normal volume 
and force that it may properly nourish the entire body, 
and- that it- may also be capable of eliminating detritus or 
any impurity of its contents. 

The secernents and the circulation may both be i n a tense 
condition, then such agents as lobelia, eupat >rium perfoli- 
atum, cypripedium or some agent of similar influence will 
be needed. They will give general relaxation. But if 
both the circulation and the secernents be relaxed, then 
capsicum with some stimulating hepatics will be required. 
But occasions will arise when the circulation and the secer- 
nents may not be both relaxed nor both suffering from 
tensity. When such is the case each class of tissue must 
be medicated as they severally require. 

This fact will also be observable. After the circulation 
and the secernents have been for some time abnormal the 
nervous system feels the effects, and this is perhaps no- 
where more apparent than in typhoid fever where the 
pointed, quivering tongue is soon shown. In such cases 
the medication of the nervo is system need only be such as 
is necessary to sustain. 

As a rule some relaxation is necessary in the treatment 
in the beginning, while stimulation will be needed to con- 
tinue throughout till each class of tissue shall have been 
toned to the performance of its respective duties. 

The capacity of the capillary system is several hundred 
times that of the arterial system and hence the capillary 
requirements cannot be too carefully watched. A free 
capillary system is a necessity to a free arterial and venous 
circulation, and is frequently a great relief to cardiac ex- 
citement. 

Cardiac stimulation must not be too strong: better give 
small doses and obtain an accumulative result. 

DifTusives largely influence the arterial circulation but 
extend toward the capillaries. 



THERAPEUTICS. 4;-) 

Asclepias tuberoaa, corallorrhiza odontorrbiza and sam- 

bucus canadensis in hot infusion are relaxing diaphoretics. 

Xantboxylum fraxineum. aristolchia serpentaria. zingi- 
ber officinalis, polygonum hydropiper and asarum caua- 
dense in bot infusion are stimulating diffusives or stimu- 
lating diapboretics. They especially influence the arterial 
and capillary systems. 

Capsicum is the grandest of all cardiac stimulants and 
cereus grandiflora the greatest of all heart tonics. 

If the capillaries are depressed as well as the heart, zin- 
giber will sustain the arterial and capillary circulatio ). 
while capsicum will sustain the heart and arterial circula- 
tion. If more powerful stimulating diffusives are needed 
than zingiber then use serpentaria or xanthoxylum. 

The portal circulation and indeed the whole venous sys- 
tem is best sustained by hydrastis canadensis. 

In acute cases less stimulation and more diffusives 
are needed. In chronic cases the stimulation will usually 
have to be increased, and tonics added. 

Hepatics, cathartics, stimulants and nervines will usu- 
ally be more effective if combined with some diffusive. 
and a less dose will be required. 

Local applications will be found very efficient in influ- 
encing the capillaries, the secernents and the peripheral 
nerves. A hyperaemic condition in many localities may 
be relieved by local relaxation and perhaps at times adding 
some stimulation. Lobelia is one of the very best agents 
to be used as a local application to a tense surface. It re- 
laxes the capillaries and relieves the pain that would oth- 
erwise exist because of their distended condition. 

In a majority of the operations of surgery there is no 
better application than lobelia. It relaxes the capillaries, 
relieves muscular tension and prevents hyperemia to a 
considerable extent. So in dislocations, swellings, sprains 
and bruises. In thoracic hyperaemic conditions there is 
perhaps nothing superior to lobelia as an application, lim- 
iting the stimulation to a minimum proportion. 

Of course if the parts are cold, pale or relaxed then local 
stimulation is required. Indeed local applications will be 
found beneficial to almost any part of the body, if the 
stimulation and relaxation be proportioned to the need of 
the respective parts, whether it be of the stomach, bow- 
els, liver, spleen, peritoneum, ovaries, uterus, brain, lungs 
or skin. Maintain the circulation by all possible means 



50 THERAPEUTICS. 

and prevent stasis of the blood. In some low conditions 
even a frequent change of the patient's position will for a 
time prevent stasis, which otherwise may be productive 
of much evil. 

It must be remembered that all the parts of the vascu- 
lar system may not all be in the same condition at the 
same time; so that the same quality of treatment that 
would be appropriate for one part of the system might not 
be appropriate for another part of the system. It is not 
unfrequen«iy true that the capillaries may need relaxa- 
tion and the heart need some degree of stimulation, as in 
most cases of eruptive diseases. But there are circum- 
stances, many of them, when the body seems to have near- 
ly all the circulation and the extremities are cold. This 
is especially true in parturition, gastritis, hepatitis, cys- 
titis, pleuritis, &c. 

With capsicum and cereus grandiflora for the heart; 
with hydrastis and gentian for the venous circulation: 
with xanthoxylum, myrica and polygonum for the arterial 
circulation; with ferrum for the intestinal circulation: 
with serpentaria, zingiber and asarum as stimulating to 
the capillaries, and with asclepias tuberosa, corallorrhiza 
and sambucus as relaxing to the capillaries you are well 
prepared to maintain the equilibrium of the circulation if 
it can be maintained. 

As a rule medicines that influence the circulation, espe- 
cially that of the capillaries either by stimulation or by 
relaxation, more or less soothe the nervous system. This 
is especially true in diseases of an acute character. Other 
things besides medicine may influence the circulation. 
Mental confusion may bring a blush to the cheek. A 
hearty laugh or a vigorous exercise will give a better out- 
ward flow of blood, and so will a brisk rubbing of the sur- 
face. The application to the surface of an electric current 
will also induce a better superficial circulation. The pro- 
cess of mastication, digestion and reparation all influence 
the circulation more or less in those several directions. 
Fright or anger influence the circulation from the surface 
so that it will appear cold and pale. Shock of injury will 
lead to a somewhat similar result. Diseases of the nervous 
system, whether acute or chronic, also influence the circu- 
lation to a greater or less degree. Hut they are not always 
both influenced in the same direction. The one may re- 
quire stimulation and the other relaxation. The demand 



THERAPEUTICS. ">1 

of each condition must be met as required. 

That class of agents which influence the circulation to- 
ward the surface are called diaphoretics. They are given 
in hot infusion and produce a warm perspiration. They 
may be either relaxing-, as asclepias tuberosa. or stimula- 
ting, as serpentaria. Diaphoiesis isoneof the most valuable 
means of ridding the system of a large amount of offensive 
material, and of very materially shortening the duration of 
acute diseases. They are very valuable in all the eruptive 
diseases, and are not less important in typhoid and other 
forms of fever. 

Diaphoretics primarily influence the surface but finally 
more or less influence the entire circulation. Capsicum 
primarily influences the heart but gradually proceeds to- 
ward the capillaries and especially so if a diffusive agent 
as zingiber is added. 

If the whole system be hot, the skin dry, the heart im- 
pulse large, full and frequent; then relaxation is needed 
and relaxing diaphoretics alone are best. But if this con- 
dition of the skin be present and the heart impulse weak 
and wiry, then more or less stimulation must be added. 

If the surface be congested diaphoretics of a more or 
less stimulating grade are required. 

But another class of superficial glands demand our atten- 
tion, the sebaceous or oil glands. These are especially 
deficient in action in scarlatina. The skin becomes in- 
tensely hot, dry and chaffy. Ordinary diaphoresis of tin- 
sudoriferous glands will not then suffice. The sebaceous 
glands must be stimulated to action. This is true to some 
extent in many eczemas. Such agents as arctium lappa 
semina. and helianthus annuus semina. and celastrus 
scandens cortex are among the best, and in order to accom- 
plish the best results they should be given in hot infusion 

Diaphoresis is one of the most valuable means of curing 
in a majority of cases. These millions of pores are the 
termini of a great human sewer system for the excretion 
of tissue detritus and various other injurious substances. 
If these remain closed the blood will soon be overwhelmed 
with deleterious accumulations, which will not only poison 
the circulation but may overwhelm the nervous system. 

In acute febrile, inflammatory or congested conditions 
there is nothing equal to diaphoresis, whether accomplished 
by the steam bath, hot air bath or by diaphoretics in hot 
infusion. The two former means are rendered more effect- 



52 THERAPEUTICS. 

ive by the addition of the latter in conjunction therewith. 
It matters little where the trouble may be, if the general 
circulation is involved, more or less diaphoresis is neces- 
sary. Whether the lungs, plenra, peritoneum, stomach, 
bowels, spleen, kidneys, bladder, uterus, brain, meninges, 
serous, mucous or muscular tissue, diaphoresis is essential. 
Equalize the circulation, sustain a full, free, superficial 
flow of blood and thus prevent hyperemia in any locality. 
One of the best means for the relief of hemorrhage is the 
proper use of diffusive stimulants. 

I n acute dysentery and diarrhoea some degree of diapho- 
resis is frequently beneficial, and in dropsy and diabetes it 
is not unfrequently essential. 

It must not be forgotten that surrounding circum- 
stances, such as the proper warmth of the apartment, and 
the administering of the diaphoretic in hot infusion are 
points essential to be observed. Heat and hot water are 
themselves diaphoretics, but these are more fully discussed 
under the heading aqua. Heat, hot water, hot baths, hot 
broths and hot infusions are among our most powerful 
agents in this direction. 

Sleep under certain circumstances will lead to more or 
less profuse perspiration. This however must be carefully 
watched. Under certain circumstances such perspiration 
if too profuse may be very weakening. This result must 
be guarded against. But while avoiding this extreme con- 
tinue dhiphoresis long enough and free enough to accom- 
plish the required result. 

Alterants are ;igents such as act on the blood current, 
toning the serous membrane and cleansing the current of 
some variety of impurity contained therein. In the broad- 
est sense a large majority of our agents are alteratives, for 
they in some way tend to cleanse and tone the blood cur- 
rent. Indeed so do proper food, pure air, correct living 
and freedom from excesses in any direction. 

Impurities may gain access into the blood current from 
many sources. It maybe that the secernents are torpid 
and are not secreting or excreting in proper quantities. 
These secretions being retained in the system soon gain 
access to the blood current and some degree of septic influ- 
ence is the result. It may be that the skin is retaining 
impure materials and these instead of being cast off. are 
retained and conveyed by the venous current again into the 
blood and constantly make it more foul. It may be that 



THERAPEUTICS. 53 

the lungs are being filled with impure air. or are supplied 
with an insufficiency of the same. In either ca-e the blood 
becomes more or less deoxygeni zed, and worse still it be- 
comes tilled with still greater impurities. It may be that 
the food has been improper in preparation, in quantity or 
in quality, and thus impr >per pabulum has been conveyed 
into the system. 

In order therefore that your alterative medicines may do 
the good intended to be accomplished, your patient must 
be supplied with proper food, proper air, proper clothing. 
proper exercise, and that he should have proper habits. 
and be given to no excesses. It will be your duty to see to 
those things and to administer your medicines so that the 
skin, stomach, bowels, mesenteries, kidneys and lungs are 
each doing their respective duties. Under these circum- 
stances you can cleanse the blood current and your altera- 
tive medicines will be efficient. Else they will be more or 
less a failure in spite of your best efforts. 

But remember that alteratives act slowly and promote a 
steady toning impression. It takes time for complete 
blood changes to occur. It sometimes takes months and 
even years to cleanse the blood current of some impurities. 
The quality of the whole blood current must be changed. 
and the secernents must be constantly toned to the ability 
of fully performing their respective duties. 

To say then that an agent is an alterative is very indefi- 
nite. We must know the process or channels by which it 
accomplishes the elimination of any impurities from the 
system. Elimination may be either by way of the liver 
and bowels, the kidneys or the skin. 

Alteratives may be relaxing, stimulating or toning. In 
chronic cases those of greater stimulating powers are 
needed than in acute case-. When eruptions of the skin 
are due to hepatic torpor, use such alteratives as have a de 
cided tendency to influence the liver both in its secreting 
and excreting functions. General torpor of the secretions 
is more or less productive of impurity of the blood. So is 
idleness, a sedentary habit and constipation. 

Physical activity in pure air and sustained by good food 
and pure water, and having good habits are the grand ac- 
cessories to good health and pure blood. 

To receive and to transmit impressions is pre-eminently 
the office of the nervous system. A leading manifestation 
of disease is pain, which is an exalted condition of the sen- 



54 THERAPEUTICS. 

sory nerves arising from a greater or less degree of irrita- 
tion which has been caused by the introduction of some 
offending substance either locally or constitutionally. 
Pain is an evidence of the presence of some disease, injury 
or obstruction. Whenever and wherever there is loss of 
sensibility from any cause, such part or parts or the Avhole 
system is liable to suffer therefrom, because the vital force 
is not or cannot be aroused to its proper protection, nei- 
ther is there a proper supply of nutrition. 

Pain is not only an evidence of disease but is a means of 
arousing the vital force to some degree of activity for the 
removal of the cause. When the abnormal condition sub- 
sides the pain ceases. Do not be mistaken and demolish 
your friend for an enemy. Forget not that the abnormal 
reduction of sensibility is itself disease and is more or less 
disastrous to the system. Narcotics do not remove the 
conditions that cause suffering. Instead of narcotizing 
administer such agents as tend to remove the cause. 

The cause of pain is not always directly in nerve tissue. 
It is more frequently elsewhere, and the nervous system 
is then but the transmitting medium. Yet the long con- 
tinuance of such may become a source of nerve irritation. 

The pain is usually confined to the part or parts affected, 
but in time other parts suffer therefrom. 

Then too the pain is not always located at the point dis- 
eased. This is frequently true with ovarian and uterine 
pains. You cannot be too careful in the study and diagno- 
sis of transmitted pain. Many a time pain under the left 
shoulder blade, down the thigh or at the knee is from the 
ovary or ovaries. Many a time a headache i^ from consti- 
pation, hepatic torpor, improper mastication or imperfect 
digestion. Many a case of chronic sick-headache is cured 
by the use of a new set of teeth when the natural set had 
become decayed. 

Insanity is not unfrequently due to chronic torpid con- 
ditions of the secernents, first resulting in hypochondri- 
asis. 

Therefore carefully diagnose the cause of the symptom. 
Each disease and each injury in each different part give** 
its own peculiar suffering. If the pain proceeds from irri- 
tation then relaxing and soothing medication is needed as 
given by cypripedium, lobelia or ulmus. 

The pain due to hyperemia is very frequently relieved 
by external local applications of relaxing agents, and the 



THERAPEUTICS. ■)•) 

use internally of a hot infusion of diffusives and relaxants. 

The pain due to sprain is frequently relieved by the 
stimulating and relaxing influence of hot water continued 
for some hours and of the use internally of diffusives and 
relaxants. 

For the relief of the pain due to gangrene the strongest 
stimulants and antiseptics are necessary until the separa- 
tion of the parts dead and living is complete. 

Neuralgia is more or less an irritation of the nerve 
structures themselves, and yet this irritation not unfre- 
quently arises from some secernent or circulatory cause. 
In the treatment of such it is not only necessary to reliew 
the secernents and the circulation but also to sustain the 
nerves with agents of a more or less stimulating influence, 
as dioscorea villosa, caulophyllum thai actor ides, ferula 
foetida, sorbilin, salicine, scutelaria, or quinine. 

Restlessness is usually a result of long-continued irrita- 
tion of the nervous system leading to general weakness. 
Here you require a gently stimulating class of nerve ton- 
ics. 

Convulsion is a very much over-stimulated condition of 
the nervous system. In some children the cause of con- 
vulsion is the approach of some eruptive disease, the pres- 
ence of worms, teething or some stomach or bowel trouble. 
Convulsion may also be the result of cerebro-spinal disease, 
or of some injury; or it may arise from some weakness of 
the nerves as in hysteria. 

In all such cases more or less relaxation is need at first. 
In tetanus especially use the most powerful relaxants. 
Lobelia in large quantities will probably have to be used 
per rectum. But as the system becomes relaxed, more 
stimulating and toning nervines are required to sustain 
the system. 

The nerves and circulation frequently run side by side 
and reciprocate each other's action. Carefully diagnose 
which may be primarily at fault. Ascertain whether pain 
arises from acute irritation in any respect or from hyper- 
emia in any part. Investigate as to whether it be from 
congestion, suppuration or from gangrenous destruction. 
Ascertain whether the pain arises from some failure of the 
secernents, the circulation or the nervous system, or from 
two or more of them combined. 

Estimate carefully the degree of vitality present and the 
necessities in each direction. Then select your medicines 



5t5 THERAPEUTICS. 

and combine them accordingly. In the treatment of some 
pain stimulating agents will be required, while other cases 
will require relaxation and still others astringency. In- 
flammatory effort will require relaxation; a depressed 
effort will require more or less stimulation: irritation re- 
quires demulcents and a very relaxed effort will require 
some degree of astringency and it may be of stimulation 
also. 

All pain therefore cannot be treated alike. While lobe- 
lia would be very suitable for the relief of arterial pressure 
in an inflammatory effort, it would be woire than nothing in 
the vital failure of gangrene where the most positive stim- 
ulation is needed. Cypripedium pubescens will relieve the 
pain due to some irritated condition of the nervous sys- 
tem, but in a depressed condition it would be a failure. 
Here more positive stimulating nervines as scutelaria. qui- 
nia or sorbilin are essential. 

Impacted faeces may be the cause of pain. Not nervines 
then, but the removal of the cause is the thing required. 

Caulophyllum, polygonum, ferula. Valeriana are both 
stimulating and relaxing in varying proportions. The 
third preparation of lobelia is the climax in this respect. 

Tonics are intended to give fuller vigor to the system 
and are more or less stimulating. 

An emetic, a bath, a cathartic or a diaphoretic is each a 
depurative measure, assisting in cleansing the system of 
whatever impurities may be present. Subsequently tonics 
are needed to slowly and permanently assist in giving 
greater firmness to the tissues. Tonics are especially used 
to restore general strength and vigor to the digestive 
apparatus, upon which depends the vigor of the entire sys- 
tem. Care must be taken not to use more stimulating 
agents than are necessary, nor should they be used in 
stronger or more frequent doses than required. Care must 
also be taken that the a 1 vine canal and its accessories are 
cleansed and active, for then a tonic will do most good. 
Without taking these precautions tonics will be of little 
value. 

Demulcents maybe applied as poultices. They may 
be. either relaxing or stimulating according to the agents 
selected or incorporated and according to the necessities 
requiring such. They should be kept warm. Poultices or 
fine powders may be used to absorb discharges from sores, 
the better to prepare the surface for further local treat- 



THERAPEUTICS. 57 

merit. 

Demulcents given to the stomach soothe the mucous 
membrane and relieve irritation of the stomach and bow- 
els. Per vagi nam and per rectum they are very soothing 
to the mucous surfaces, and assist in relieving irritation. 

Demulcents may also be used as a vehicle for the convey- 
ing of more stimulating agents either into the stomach or 
rectum. 

Demulcents are also useful in the formation of pill mass 
in the manufacturing of pills. 

When required demulcents are excellent for the relief of 
bronchial and pulmonary irritai ion or inflammation. In 
such cases they are very important both applied externally 
as a poultice and taken internally either alone or in com- 
bination with other agents that influence the respiratory 
organs. 

Demulcents are also of great value in the covering of 
abraded surfaces, burns or scalds, especially when com- 
bined with some suitable oil. They prevent exposure to 
the air and pain ceases. 

Fruit acids are of great benefit in the treatment of 
bilious troubles and in convalescence therefrom. Avoid 
using them too frequently or too freely. A wash of vine- 
gar and water will be both pleasant and profitable at times 
in cleansing the tongue of foulness. 

Alkalies as soda, potassa, magnesia arid lime are at 
times needed to correct acidity of the stomach. Cautiously 
avoid giving more than enough to relieve the acidulated 
condition present. Sometimes sores having an ichorous 
discharge may be relieved by an alkaline wash applied as 
needed. Such wash may also be applied to the tongue to 
cleanse it of foulness. 

Escharotics are not strictly remedies, but as the surgi- 
cal knife, may be applied to the surface for the destruction 
of abnormal growths. Cautiously limit their use to the 
parts to be destroyed. 




58 



F>HVSIO - MEDICAL 




MATERIA MEDICA. 



\f he following- pages will be devoted to the consid- 
eration of such agents as we deem Physio-Med- 

VJ^JTp ical both oid and new. In presenting some new- 
agents it may be that we shall in future years 
change our views somewhat as we have concerning some 
of our older agents. We are in for advancement. We be- 
lieve in employing the very best agentsand the most effi- 
cient preparations the world can furnish. 

In this consideration of our materia medica I have ex- 
cluded to a great extent botanical description, and I have 
included but little concerning pharmacy, because an ex- 
cellent article has been furnished by Prof. J. M. Thurston. 
His pharmacy is peculiarly physio-medical, and such as we 
need, and I ask for this article the attention o! the profes- 
sion. 

Prior to introducing the first subject of materia niedica 
I have deemed it proper to give some instructions as to 
gathering your material. In each locality this will be valu- 
able concerning some agents. 

ROOTS. 

The roots of annual plants should be gathered just 
previous to flowering. 

Those of biennial plants should be gathered shortly 
after the leaves have fallen in the autumn of the first year. 

Those of perennials are the most active after the fall 
of the leaves and flowers in the autumn. 
BULBS. 

These should be gathered as soon as matured after the 
plant has lost its foliage. 



MATERIA MEDICA. . 59 

STEMS. 

Herbaceous stems should be gathered after the foliage 
appears and before the blossoms have de /eloped. 

Ligneous stems should be gathered after the falling of 
the leaves. 

BARKS. 

These should be gathered in the spring before the flower- 
ing season or in the autumn after the foliage has gone. 
LEAVES. 

These should be gathered as soon as matured, in the time 
between the flowers and the maturing of the fruit. 

Biennials do not perfect their leaves during the first year. 

BERRIES, SUCCULENT FRUITS AND SEEDS. 

Should be gathered when ripe or nearly so. 

FLOWERS. 
These should be gathered when about to open from the 
bud. Sometimes the buds themselves are collected. 

Leaves, flowers and herbs should gathered in dry 
weather. 

Aromatic Plants are best after the flower buds are 
formed and ready to open. 

DRYING. 

Those agents which are to be dried, should be put into 
a room where they will be much in the shade. They 
should not be dried to quickly so as too dissipate any of 
their qualities, nor left long enough to mould. 



60 

RULES FOR PRONUNCIATION 



The following rules are applicable for the pronunciation 
of medical terms of latin origin. Of course there will be 
many exceptions which could not be considered here. 

1. — Words of two syllables receive the accent on 'the pe- 
nultimate: as cortex, radix, vera, alnus, carum etc. 

2. — Words of more than two syllables receive the accent 
on the penultimate, if the vowel be long;-: as palmatum, 
vulgaris, acetum, etc. 

3. — If the penultimate vowel be short; then the antepe- 
nultimate receives the accent; as acidum, krameria, kal- 
mia, cataria etc. 

4 — If the antepenultimate vowel is followed by a single 
consonant, that consonant usually receives the accent and 
the vowel preceeding is rendered short; as hepatica. nobi- 
lis, nepeta, etc, 

5 — If the antepenultimate vowel be u it usually receives 
the accent instead of the consonant following; as punica. 
aluminum etc. 

Words derived from the G-reek language are pronounced 
according to the rules of pronunciation in that language. 




61 
ABIES BALSAMEA. 
Balsam Fir, Canada Balsam. 

The bark of this tree when punctured yields a thick and 
more or less transparent balsam, which is moderately 
stimulating to the mucous membrane throughout, espec- 
ially influencing that of the renal apparatus. It is quite 
persistent and in large doses nauseates. If the mucous 
membrane be irritated it is inappropriate but is best in 
relaxed and torpid cases, as in gleet, cystic and renal con- 
gestions, in bronchial and pulmonary congestions it is a 
stimulating expectorant, but its influence is best felt in 
this direction when combined with some agents which 
especially influence the respiratory organs. It gives very 
favorable results when combined with syrups for chronic 
coughs. 

F. E. Abies Bal. dr. ii 

Acetous Syr. Lobelia Sem. oz. iiss 

Mel q. s. oz. iv 

This may be used for colds, coughs, croup, asthma and 
bronchial catarrh. 

F. E. Abies Bal. dr. ii 

Glyceri n 

Mel aa. oz. ii 

This makes a good cough syrup. 

This balsam may also be incorporated with vaseline and 
used as an ointment for old sores and ulcers. 
Yolk of Egg 
Fresh Balsam 
Triturate thoroughly and apply. 
It may also be used as a plaster and applied to some weak 
or painful part, especially in the region of the kidneys. 

The baric is also used either in infusion or in fluid ex- 
tract for the same purpose as the gum which exudes there- 
from. 

ABIES CANADENSIS. 

Hemlock Spruce. (Pinus or Tsuga Canadensis. | 

The bark of this tree is used for tanning purposes. By 
incising the bark the tree yields a heavy black pitch or 
gum. 

The inner bark is a drying and gently stimulating 
astringent, useful in hemorrhages aud for diarrhoea. Lo- 
cally it may be used as an astringent wash wherever 



62 ABIES EXCELSA. 

needed, as in cases- of sore mouth or other ulcerous parts. 
Its action is mostly local and is valuable in the treatment 
of rectal ulcers. It checks the excessive discharges and the 
ulcers heal under it. It is good also for buboes. 

Dr. C. B. Riggs advises the following for rectal supposi- 
tories for internal hemorrhoids: 
Grum Tragacanth 

Glycerine q. s. ad. to make a thick syrup. 
Powd. Pinus Can. 2 

" Hydrastis Can. 
" Myrica Cer. 
" Boracic Acid 
Wheat Flour aa. 1 

q. s. ad. to make the former stiff enough to form sup- 
positories the size desired. 

Sig. One suppository each night on retiring. This lias 
proven very successful, especially when the rectum is lax, 
and the tumors protrude. Rectal pain and tenesmus will 
be quickly relieved, and hemorrhoids soon cured and re- 
main so until the liver becomes torpid and the bowels 
constipated. 

The leaves ~re more stimulating and less astringent 
than the bark. In hot infusion it is diaphoretic and may- 
be used for the relief of colds and for dysmorrhoea; but it 
is not best to use this agent where the patient is inclined 
to constipation. They are valuable in hot fomentations 
for sprains, rheumatism, and inflammations. 

The oil of hemlock is obtained from the leaves and is 
far more stimulating. It is a useful addition to lini- 
ments, but is not used internally. 

The resin is sometimes incorporated with oils and 
formed into a plaster. 

ABIES EXCELSA. 
Norway Spruce. 

From the little drops on the bark we get our frankin- 
cense; and from incisions in the wood flows the pix bur- 
gundica. This incorporated with sweet oil forms an 
irritating plaster which may only occasionally be used. 
To irritate the surface is seldom the part of wisdom. 

ABRUS PRECATORIUS. 

Jeqiiirity. 
This is a stimulating and toning agent to the mucous 



ACACIA VERA. 63 

membrane. It cleanses the parts and leaves them invig- 
orated. The seeds reduced to a powder and mixed with 
hydrozone is excellent in the treatment of uterine ulcer, 
abrasions, excoriations, polypoid excrescences, and in 
somewhat similar conditions of the rectum. It complete- 
ly exfoliates morbid tissue and leaves the parts underneath 
toned. It may be used in capsule, powder, suppository or 
cerate. 

The infusiou of the seeds is best in granular ophthalmia, 
in opacities of the cornea and in some varieties of cata- 
racts. 

Make the infusion of one drachm of the beans crushed 
to one pint of boiling water. Two or three drops put upon 
the inner canthus of the eye two or three times a day 
should be continued until complete exfoliation takes place. 

In diphtheria spray the throat with the ozonized jequir- 
ity and this will cause immediate exfoliation. 

For eczemas it may be used as a salve. 

ACACIA CATECHU. 
Catechu. 

This we obtain chiefly from the East and West Indies 
in the form of an extract which is a powerful astringent 
somewhat similar to tannin, and may be used for the same 
general purposes locally and internally. 

ACACIA VERA. 
Gum, Arabic. Arabia and Northern Africa, 

The gum exudes freely from the bark of the trunk and 
larger branches, soft and nearly fluid. Exposure hardens 
it. 

Acacia Vera is a pure mucilage, nutritious and demul- 
cient; and may be used to excellent advantage in all irri- 
tated conditions of the mucous membrane whether it be of 
the alvine canal, the bronchi or of the renal apparatus. 
Its chief influence is most felt where most needed or 
whether influenced by some other agent. It is quite serv- 
iceable in bronchial inflammation or irritation, in dysen- 
tery and diarrhoea. 

Gum Arabic oz. i 

Water, Vinegar, or Lemonade oz. vi 

Do not use enough to clog the system but merely to 
soothe as a mucilaginous drink. This gum plays an im- 



()4 ACETUM. 

portant part in the manufacture of pills, troches and 
emulsions. 

ACETUM. 

Vinegar. 

The juices of various fruits after having undergone some 
degree of fermentation and having become sufficiently 
sour is called vinegar. The best vinegar is obtained from 
apples. Though there is a small proportion of acetic acid 
in vinegar, yet it is improper to manufacture vinegar from 
acetic acid and water. 

Acetum influences the mucous membrane chiefly, pro- 
moting the increase of saliva: and is an expectorant to the 
respiratory mucous membrane. 

Vinegar, sugar and water in appropriate combination 
form a pleasant acidulated drink when indicated in fevers 
to allay thirst and to promote a flow of saliva. 

Acetum in hot water is diaphoretic, and if inhaled when 
the head is somewhat covered is valuable for the relief of 
colds in the head and nasal passages, the throat and bron- 
chi. As a stimulating antiseptic it is valuable in various 
forms of sore throat, especially if combined with more 
stimulating and toning agents. It may be used as a gargle 
or be atomized into the throat in diphtheria, pharyngitis, 
laryngitis, aphonia or tonsilitis. A favorite home gargle is 
acetum, sodium chloride and capsicum in boiling water for 
various forms of mild sore throat. With verbascum thap- 
sus its influence is excellent as a fomentation for sprains 
and swellings. With lobelia it decreases its nausea, yet 
its influence is more permanent. 

Acetum with sanguinaria and lobelia may de adminis- 
tered with very favorable results in membranous croup in 
connection with gently stimulating diaphoresis. The 
acetous tincture of lobelia much less readily nauseates 
but is more persistent than the ordinary tincture. 

With capsicum the influence of both is intensified. Lo- 
cally acetum increases the power of any agent with which 
it is combined. If acetum is brought to the boiling point 
and poured over the crude ingredients as lobelia or sangui- 
naria the full strength of the agent will be more readily 
gained. 

In case of delirium tremens a wine glass of strong vine- 
gar will soon restore sense and locomotion. 



AGAVE AMERICANA. 65 

ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM. 

I 'arrow. 

This herb is a mild. slow, stimulating astringent tonic; 
influencing the mucous membrane of the alvine canal, and 
gives favorable results in chronic dysentery and chronic 
diarrhoea, it stimulates the appetite and tones the di- 
gestive organs. It is of much importance as a tonic to the 
general system. Combined with uterine tonics its influ- 
ence will be felt upon the generative organs and will be 
serviceable in lucorrhoea. gleet and vaginal laxity. 

In hot infusion it arouses the capillary circulation and 
is somewhat antiperiodic. and assists in the relief of hem- 
orrhages. 

In cold forms it is useful as a tonic in convalescence 
from fevers, from nervous prostration, in phthisis and 
night sweats. • 

ACORUS CALAMI'S. 
Calamus, Sweet Flag. 

The root when green is rather pungent but when dry is 
a pleasant, mild, aromatic stimulant. It is mildly warm- 
ing to the stomach and is frequently used to relieve the 
flatus and colic of children. It is best for this purpose 
combined with zingiber and dioscorea. and it may be used 
as a carminative vehicle for other drugs. 

ADIANTCM PEDATUM. 
Maiden-hair. 
This herb is a mild, pleasant, demulcent, stimulating 

astringent. It influences the mucous membrane through- 
out. In combination with agents that influence the bron- 
chi its action will be determined in that direction: as with 
aralia racemosa or Symphytum officinale. With hydrastis 
or gentian its influence will be most felt on the alvine 
canal. With uva ursi its influence will be felt by the kid- 
neys, the uterus, bladder and urethra, assisting much in 
the relief of cystic catarrh and scalding urine. 

AGAVE AMERICANA. 
American Agave- 

The juice of this plant forms a lather with water and 
has been sometimes u^ed as a substitute for soap, and 
forms a good cleansing application to the surface. Inter- 
na 11 v it influences the mucous membrane and is somewhat 



66 AGRTMONIA EUPATORIA. 

laxative. It also influences the urinary and generative 
organs, increasing the flow in either direction as needed 
or as directed by other agents. 

AGAVE VIRGINICA. 
Rattlesnake Master. 

The root is a bitter, tonic carminative and is useful in 
flatulence and colic, and is recommended as an antidote 
for snake bites. 

AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA. 
Agrimony, 

The herb is a gently stimulating, aromatic astringent, 
acting mainly on the mucous membrane. In hot infusion 
it influences diaphoresis. Cold preparations influence the 
kidneys and other urinary apparata, imparting a gentle 
tonic influence, and will give favorable results in enuresis 
and relieve milky urine. 

With hepatics its chief influence is given to the intesti- 
nal mucous membrane in cases of dysentery and diarrhoea, 
acute or chronic. Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends it in 
hepatic abscess, mesenteritis, anaemia, atrophy of the 
liver, albumenaria, cirrhosis of the liver, marasmus, peri- 
tonitis, and stomatitis 

With uterine tonics its chief influence is given to tone 
the generative organs, slowly toning them and relieving 
laucorrhoea. 

With agents that influence the bronchi its influence will 
be expended in toning the mucous membrane in that local- 
ity, and is valuable in excessive expectoration. Dr. F. G. 
Hoener recommends the following in incipient consump- 
tion, colds and coughs: 
Elix. Agrimonia Eup. 

" Chrysanthemum Leucan. aa. oz. iss 
" Verbena Hast. oz. iiiss 

Sabbat i a Aug. 
" Veronica Off. 

" Verbascum Thap. aa. oz. ii 

" Helonias Dio. oz. iiss 

Syr. Marrubium Vulg. oz. iss 

M. S. A teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful every 2 or 3 
hours. 

With more stimulating agents its influence when needed 
by the vital force will be exerted upon the pharynx and 



ALCOHOL. r>7 

larynx. 

With ulmus or other mucilaginous wash it is good in 
ophthalmia. 

AGROPYRDM REPENS. 
Tri icuTYi, Couch Grass. (Triticum Repens.j 

The root is a pleasant diuretic, and is excellent for the 
relief of irritation of the bladder and urethra. It is valu- 
able in gonorrhoea in the inflammatory stage. It increases 
the flow and relieves the irritation. It is also valuable in 
cystic catarrh and renal congestions, fn dropsy it gives 
favorable results, also in nephritis, cystitis and urethritis 
it may be used to good advantage. 

ALCOHOL. 

By W. F. Pechuman, a. m. m. d. ll. d. 

Late Professor of Histology, Physiology and Pathology; Clinical Professor 
of Surgery at the Chicago Physio-Medical College and Secretary of its 
P'aculty. Member of the Medical and Surgical Staff of the R. R. Hospital 
and Militant Church Hospital, Chicago. Lecturer at St Paul's College. 



This is a subject on which much has been written, and 
yet there is room for much more to be said. 

We would like to go into a more lengthy article but time 
and space will not allow; so we will content ourselves with 
as short an article as possible, giving only enough to have 
our readers understand the main ideas and facts we wish 
to impress upon the minds of honest men and women, who 
read with an unprejudiced mind, to get a knowledge of 
truth wherever found. 

This subject is becoming more and more important to 
the the honest investigator. It is high time that the truth 
should be known, concerning this much argued question. 

Honest , conscientious, scientific experiments and invest- 
igation is the only way to find the right use and disuse for 
alcohol. 

This agent has become an important article of commerce. 
It is used as a medicine and as a food. It is much used in 
pharmacy and in the arts. 

There is hardly a country "on earth where alcohol is not 
known and used to a greater or less extent. It is shipped 
by tons to even barbarous nations. High taxes are paid 



68 ALCOHOL. 

for license, to allow the sale of it. 

At present it is not only a question in the medical pro- 
fession, whether or not it is useful as a medicine, but it is 
seriously discussed from a legal and religious point of view. 
So if we come to think of it as it stands to-day, we find 
that it is one of the great questions to be scientifically sol- 
ved and understood. 

It is claimed by many that we cannot do without alcoln )1 as 
a medicine; by others that it is absolutely injurious in all 
conditions and under all circumstances, in quality as well 
as in quantity. 

That alcohol has ever saved a human life is a question, 
That it has destroyed the lives of thousands is no question 
at all. 

An old adage might well come in at this point: •'have a 
place for everything, and everything in its place.*' So we 
will try to find the right place for alcohol. 

The name alcohol is supposed to have its origin from 
the arabic language. The word is now used to designate a 
highly rectified spirit. 

History: — It is believed that alcohol was distilled 
from rice, many years before rice was introduced into 
Europe. We read of it being known in Bagdad in the 
ninth century. It is spoken of as known to the moors 
of Spain and by them the knowledge of its production and 
use was spread into Europe. 

It was known to the early Romans for Pliny wrote of "a 
strong kind of wine that was inflammable," which shows 
that a knowledge existed of distillation in the first century. 

A description was given in about 1280 by a western writer 
who wrote of a "burning water." 

But we find that it was used much earlier in the form of 
bter, by the ancients; whether they knew it by itself as al- 
cohol we cannot say. 

As early as 700 B. C. Archilocheus referred to nine of 
barley. The king of Egvpt. Osiris is credited by Diodorus 
Siculus, who wrote 630 B. C. with having introduced into 
that country, a fermented drink made of barley, as early 
as 1900 B. C. 

In 400 B. C. both iEschuylus and Sophocle speak of 
wine of hurley. 

In the writings of Julius Caesar we find mention of beer. 
in the year 50 B. C. 

Egypt is credited with the discovery of a fermented 



ALCOHOL. 09 

drink- beer; yet it seems that for a Long time the manu- 
facturing of it ceased till it was reintroduced by the French 
army. 

The Germans introduced it to the Gauls. 

We also find drunkenness spoken of in such expressions 
as: — "staggered like a drunken man." as early as 1520 B. 
C. "He is a glutton and a drunkard" in 1451 B. C. "And 
he drank of the wine anl he was drunken'", about 2347 
B. C. "Drinking himself drunk" in 930 B. C. "I am like a 
drunken man 1 ' 599 B. C. "These are not drunken" and 
"drink with the drunken" 33-54 A. I). 

Now then, if there was drunkenness at those times there 
must have been something that made them drunk; and as 
we have no evidence that they used other drugs that could 
produce drunkenness, we conclude that it was alcohol in 
some beverage that made them drunk. 

Paracelsus who lived from 1490 — 1541 introduced alcohol 
into medical use''. Paracelsus of old who wasted life in try- 
ing to discover its elixir, which after all turned out to be 
alcohol; and instead of being made immortal upon earth, 
he died drunk on the floor of a tavern." 

There is quite a large number of articles that have been 
classed under the generic term of alcohol. We have about 
twelve of the alcohol family The common or ordinary 
alcohol is the ethylic, sometimes known as spirit of wine 
and vinici alcohol. 

Absolute alcohol is pure alcohol entirely free from water. 

Alcohols are also known according to the number of hy- 
droxyl groups they contain. A group of alcohols may be 
given a* follows:— The Methylic, Ethylic, Propylic, But- 
ylic, Amylic, Caproic alcohol &c. 

Lime is generally used to make the absolute alcohol for 
commerce. 

The chemical formula for alcohol is (C2H5OH). 

It is a liquid that is very volatile; is entirely volatilized 
by heat: is colorless, inflammable, of a hot, pungent, burn- 
ing taste and a sweetish penetrating odor. Has great 
affinity for water, even abstracting water from the air if 
left in an open vessel. It boils at a temperature of 173.3 
degrees F. It has never been frozen by any cold hitherto 
produced. At a temperature of 130 degrees alcohol becomes 
of an oily consistency; at 146 degrees it assumes the aspect 
of melted wax; and at 166 degrees it gets still thicker, but 
it does not congeal at the lowest attainable temperature. 



70 ALCOHOL. 

Alcohol does not conduct electricity. 

The specific gravity of absolute or anhydrous alcohol at 
a temperature of 60 degrees Falir. is 0.820. 

We cannot get pure alcohol by the ordinary way of dis- 
tillation. The rectified alcohol or spirit of the United 
States pharmacopoeias is composed of 91 per cent, by 
weight of ethyl alcohol, and 9 per cent by weight of water. 

It is a powerful solvent for the alkaloids, resins, essen- 
tial oils, and many fats; also for gasses and minerals. It 
is very readily absorbed by all organic structures. It is a 
powerful antifermentative when stronger than 18 percent. 
It is also an antiseptic agent, in the way that it stops fer- 
mentation, absorbs fats, coagulates albuminous substances, 
in having an intense affinity for water, and its power for 
destroying all living micro-organisms: it is therefore also 
a preservative for animal tissues. 

We may take dilute alcohol and distill it with chloride 
of lime and obtain chloroform. It reacts upon acids in 
such a way that water is eliminated, 2nd ethers are pro- 
duced. Alcohol is in itself an anaesthetic It is alcohol 
in alcoholic beverages that intoxicates; even if the vapor 
of alcohol is inhaled, it will produce intoxication. 

The Source of Alcohol. — We produce alcohol from 
sugar, but many other articles can be changed into it by 
first converting them into sugar: such as the grains, fleshy 
roots, beets, potatoes. &c. . the fruits, and even woody 
fibres. 

The fermentation of sugar and other saccharine matter 
is the on'y source of alcohol. Sugar is the product of the 
vegetable kingdom. Some plants contain sugar while 
many more contain starch, which can be converted into 
sugar. Therefore those vegetables that contain the great- 
est amount of sugar or starch will yield the most alcohol. 

Alcohol is then a chemical product, produced by fermen- 
tation of vegetable tissue from degeneration: a breaking- 
down of organized matter: which is a backward process 
or a dissolving of matter into its primitive elements or 
atomic state, and then rearranging them into an entirely 
different compound or compounds. 

We have said that the chemical formula for alcohol is 
(C2H5OH): that of starch is (CViHioOsJn and of sugar is 
(C6H12O6). So w T e see that the same elements are found 
in the three entirely different compounds— starch, suuar 
and alcohol— which are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen: only 



ALCOHOL. 71 

in different proportions. Yet starch is not sugar, nor is 
sugar alcohol. 

We do not find starch in the human body, only when it 
has been taken in as food. 

We believe that all chlorcphyll-containing plants, at 
some period of their existence, contain starch. Starch is 
the first organic substance produced by the vegetable king- 
dom from the mineral or inorganic matter. 

Animals cannot live on inorganic matter; such matter 
must first pass through the vegetable kingdom. 

Plants form starch from carbonic acid and water, which 
are taken out of the air and the soil. This process is ex- 
pressed by the following chemical formula: 
(6CO2 + 5H2C))u = (C6H I0 5 )n -f On. 

carbonic water starch oxygen 

acid 

In the hydrolytic action or change of starch into sugar 
we have: 

(C6Hio0 5 )n 4- H2O = Cell r2 ; ;e. 

starch water inverted sugar 

In producing common alcohol it is supposed that the 
cane-sugar first passes into grape-sugar; and in forming 
alcohol from cane-sugar, maltose and grape-sugar, carbonic 
acid gas is set free. 

C6H12O6 = 2C2H5HO + 20O 2 . 

grape-sugar alcohol carbonic acid gas 

It is claimed by some that alcohol is found in corn and 
in other grains: to substantiate their false theory that all 
things are poison, and that poisonous agents are medi- 
cines. They argue that we get alcohol from corn, there- 
fore it exists in corn; just as if alcohol was mixed with 
other ingredients in corn, and then all that would be nec- 
essary to get alcohol, is to extract it as you would acid 
from the lemon. But that is an erroneous idea, and it 
cannot be upheld by scientific investigation. Alcohol can 
no more be taken directly out of these bodies than vinegar 
out of the apple, prussic acid out of the peach, tartaric 
acid out of the grape, or a deadly poison out of an animal 
body; unless we first add heat and moisture to produce 
fermentation — a chemical change to disorganize the ele- 
mentary substances put together by vital force or life. 

Heat is the great disintegrative force; it separates the 
atomic structure, so that the atoms lose their affinity for 
each other and in that way the tissue is disintegrated— 
separated; and as these atoms now set free cannot exist in 



i 2 ALCOHOL. 

a tree state long, they unite with other atoms that are 
found in the disintegrated mass, and according to natural 
law form a new compound or compounds, entirety different 
from what existed at first. 

The Action of Alcohol — This is generally spoken of 
as the physiological action, but by the physiological action 
we understand it to ''pertain to or of the nature of physi- 
ology; of or pertaining to the functions of living organ- 
isms. Physiology treats of the vital phenomena manifest- 
ed by animals or plants: the science of organic functions." 
— Standard Dictionary. 

It then means, to act in harmony with life or with the 
vital phenomena, or the functions of living organs. 

Alcohol does not do this; it does not act in harmony 
with life, therefore its actions are not physiological. 

Pathology teaches of morbid disease conditions, their 
causes, symptoms and nature; alcohol causes morbid, dis- 
ease, or pathological conditions; therefore the proper term 
would then be, its pathological instead of its physiological 
action, 

Before we speak of the action of alcohol, let us first look 
at the human body as it is, from the microscopical, histo- 
logical and the chemical point of view. 

When we examine the human body we find that it is 
made up of bones, muscles, bloodvessels, lymphatics, 
nerves", etc. When we examine these tissues under the 
microscope, to study them histologically, we find that they 
are composed of many small particles, called cells. When 
we make closer observation we find that all living cells 
contain a nucleus, a central germinal spot, which is alive 
It is the matter, and the only matter through which life 
can manifest itself. 

This central germinal spot which is found in every living 
cell in every living tissue of the living body, is the matter 
that performs all the functions of that tissue. All organs 
of the bodV are made up of these cells, and the functions 
of all the organs — the brain, muscles, liver, stomach, etc — 
is f he result of the action of this living center of the cell 
that composes the organ. 

If we go still further into the mysterious work of nature, 
and examine one of these little cells, or the entire human 
body, chemically, we then find that it is composed of about 
fourteen elements, which are: Oxygen, hydrogen carbon, 
nitrogen, calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magne- 



ALCOHOL. 1'A 

sium, iron, sulphur, chlorine, fluorine, and silicon. These 
are not always the same but are constantly changed by 
new ones, taken from the food we eat. In the healthy 
normal body they are so combined that they are, as a 
whole, nonpoisonous; but when the body is dead and acted 
upon by decomposition, a deadly poison may be produced: 
as, for example, in dead bodies in the dissecting rooms. 

The central germinal spot or bioplasm in the cell i> of 
an albuminous consistency, resembliug the white of an 
egg. All food that nourishes the body is assimilated by 
the cells, and the living matter transforms such food into 
its own substance. In this way the body is built up and 
kept in repair. The waste material is thrown off from 
the cell in a molecular and atomic form. 

A good example of this living mutter, which we find in 
all living bodies, is found in the blood— the white blood- 
corpuscles or leucocytes. If we take one of these white 
blood-corpuscles — or any living matter wherever found— 
and place it under the microscope, we see that it is a color- 
less, semi-gelatinous mass, spherical in its natural state: 
but it can change itself into almost any shape, reaching 
out here and there, and moving from place to place. Un- 
der favorable conditions this bioplastic mass will divide 
and subdivide, so that a large number may be produced. 
It takes up pabulum and converts it into its own sub- 
stance, throwing out all foreign material that is not suit- 
able for its nourishment. 

It seems as if the human body has been looked upon as a 
chemical laboratory: medicines were given— and are only 
too often given yet- -without knowing anything about 
their true physiological or pathological action. 

The only true and scientific way to determine the action 
of any drug is on the bioplasm or living matter. To do 
this we should proceed as follows: First take a bioplastic 
body and place it under the microscope: let the fluid in 
which the bioplasm is immersed be of the right kind: also 
the temperature should be just right. Then take your 
agent to be tested; take for example capsicum, which is 
known to be the purest and most powerful stimulant in the 
materip medica. and place a small amount under the mi- 
croscope with a mass of living matter, and we can soon see 
it begin to act more freely: it will take up more pabulum, 
and divide and subdivide more readily. It has been stim- 
ulated to increased action. This can be kept up for some 



74 ALCOHOL. 

time, and the experiment will always show the same re- 
sult. 

We next take lobelia inflata, a most powerful relaxant 
(and it is by some badly informed practitioners called poi- 
sonous) and put some of it with the living matter, in the 
same way as before, and we see that the active mass will 
begin to move very slowly, and then spread itself out so 
thin that it can hardly be seen for its transparency. Its 
movements become very slow and may cease altogether for 
a while; and now, while it is in this relaxed condition, 
should you add a little capsicum, or any other true stimu- 
lant, you would soon see it begin to resume its original 
shape and action. It would do so without the stimulant, 
but it would take longer. When hydrastis is used the 
living matter becomes more firm and yet it is very active 
under the tonic effect of this agent. When an astringent 
is used it will be seen to contract into a spherical mass 
and remain in that condition for a time, according to the 
character or strength of the agent used; but if the agent 
is sanative, the bioplast will in time resume its action as 
before. Some agents induce the living matter to throw 
out more material to form a cell wall. 

We now take a very weak solution of alcohol, and add it 
to this living particle of matter which has just preformed 
so wonderfully under our very eyes, 

and we see it change almost instantly according to the 
strength of the alcoholic solution into a spherical mass. So 
here we might conclude that alcohol is an astringent as the 
former agent was. We wait but there is no return to act- 
ivity, we add stimulants as in former cases but still no sign 
of action. We repeat our experiments over and over again 
but we get the same result, no activity, no life, but death. 

When a strong solution of alcohol is used the amoeba or 
or bioplast will remain almost in the shape it was in when 
the alcohol struck it, only a little smaller. When we exam- 
ine it closely we find that some have undergone a granular 
and others a fatty change. 

All our experiments with alcohol on living matter show 
that it so changes the bioplast ic matter that life cannot 
manifest itself through such matter. All vital phenomena 
cease, death is the result. So we declare alcohol to be an 
irritant not a stimulant in any sense of the word, no more 
than a whip is a stimulant to a hungry, tired and sick 
horse. Alcohol is a narcotic poison. 



ALCOHOL. 75 

When the alcoholic preparation is very weak it only in- 
jures to a less extent, accordingly, but if even this 
small amount is kept up any length of time, the patholog- 
ical conditions that are set up will in time produce death. 
Therefore alcohol is injurious in quantity as well as in 
quality, under all conditions and under all circumstances 

The question is often asked. Why is it a man can drink 
much more of the alcoholics after he is used to them, than 
he could when he began? Our answer is nature has adapt- 
ed itself to suriounding circumstances. Send a small boy 
out. in the spring barefooted on a rough mad for miles, 
and he will come back with his feet bruised, torn and 
bleeding, but let t he boy go a short way every day with care, 
and in time he will be able to run over the roughest road 
without injuring his feet: here nature throws out more 
formed material to protect the living .particles within, a 
thick skin was toured, strong and tcugh. In the same 
way each bioplast is protected from the ravages of poison- 
ous drugs, alcohol, opium morphine, chloral. &c. &c. 
Nature throws out more formed material to make a strong- 
er and thicker cell wall, so as to protect the living centre 
within. 

The drunkard's fatty tissue is nothing but dead, waste 
material, caused by disease, not health; death, not life. 

After experimenting with alcohol we try other drugs 
that are known to be poisonous, and we always get the 
same result — death. It has been proved that one-seven- 
millionth of a grain of strychnia will kill bioplasm. 

There is a universal law in the physical world and that 
is, a poison will kill, no matter what the poison may be. 
Poison may whip up the system to action, it may bring 
out the latent force to activity, yet it can only do harm in 
the end. Why should such drugs be made use of. when 
nature has supplied, so abundantly, agents of life ? Agents 
that act physiologically, in harmony with nature, in har- 
mony with life. 

Alcohol can destroy a white blood-corpuscle in more than 
one way: First, because of its great affinity for water; 
second, on account of its power to coagulate albuminous 
substances: third, by its inherent power or property to 
destroy life. 

Now the question comes, what is a poison? Many of 
the old definitions given do not throw much light on the 



76 ALCOHOL. 

subject. Some would have us believe that everything may 
be a poison. We will here quote from the Literary Digest 
on "What is a poison'?'' '"This question is propounded to 
the editor of The Nntlontil Druggist by a correspond- 
ent who criticises the definition of the word 'poison' as 
given by many of the dictionaries. Says this correspond- 
ent: 'Webster says a poison is any agent which, when 
introduced into the animal organism, is capable of pro- 
ducing a morbid, noxious, or deadly effect. Now, should 
there not be a limitation as regards quantity of the sub- 
stance ? Tt seems so to me; because there is scarcely a 
substance known which, if taken too freely, will not pio- 
duce morbid, noxious, and even deadly effects.' 

"To this query The Nat, Drug, replies editorially as fol- 
lows: 'Your criticism of the definition given by Webster 
is entirely justifiable. The definition of the word given 
in Dunglison's Medical Dictionary is almost identical with 
that of Webster, and so is that of Dr. Billings in his great 
Material Medical Dictionary. An English authority, 
whose name escapes us, defines a poison as "a drug that 
kills rapidly when administered in small quantity;' which, 
while it gives the element missing (the limitation referred 
to by the querist) is far more liable to criticism than those 
quoted. All poisons are by no means drugs, as witness the 
poison of typhus, of malaria, etc. [No poison should be 
used as a medicine.] A celebrated English toxicologist. 
recently deceased, we believe Dr. Melmott Tidey, defined 
a poison as "any substance which, otherwise than by the 
agency of heat or electricity, is capable of destroying life 
by chemical action or its physiological effects upon the 
system." This, too, is not entirely satisfactory, as admit- 
ted by the author, who confessed the difficulty of giving a 
true and comprehensive definition. If it were true, there 
is scarcely a substance in the whole armamentarium of 
medicine that would not fall under the term. 

"Nobody, for instance, thinks or speaks of quinine as a 
poison, and yet there are numerous instances recorded 
wherein it has caused death, to say nothing of the morbid 
and noxious effects of which' we have ample evidence every 
day. Glycerine, too, merely a feeble laxative when taken 
into the stomach through the mouth, when introduced 
into the animal organism by direct injection into the 
blood causes extreme nervous perturbation, and in the 
lower animals, death. 



ALCOHOL. 77 

••It would seem to us. therefore, that the following defi- 
nition would be more nearly correct and comprehensive: 
'Any substance which, if introduced into a living organ- 
ism in small amount, or quantities beyond and over a 
certain definite limit, which latter is variable in each sub- 
stance and for each class of organism, is capable of destroy- 
ing life, either by chemical action or by its physiological 
effects.' Like Dr. Tidey, we believe that 'if a substance is 
a poison it is deadly: if it is not deadly it is not a poison." 
Substances which do not kill are merely noxious or hurt- 
ful." 

"Whatever tends to taint or destroy character or mis- 
lead.'*— B. Ogden Doremus' letter to the Standard Dic- 
tionary, January 22. 1896. 

What agent does more of this than alcohol'? 

The Standard Dictionary gives: "Any substance that 
when taken into the system acts in a noxious manner by 
means not median ical. tending to cause death or serious 
detriment to health." This does not give us any definite 
answer. 

Dunglison's Medical Dictionary gives the following 
•'All substances which, when introduced into the animal 
economy, either by cutaneous absorption, respiration, or 
the digestive canal, act in a noxious manner on the vital 
properties or the texture of organs.*' 

in Dutton's "Key to Medicine'' we find that "any sub- 
stance whose nature is injurious or destructive to health 
and phy&ical manifestations of life. Something that can- 
not be taken into the body without physical injury. Food 
tends to support physical life: poison tends to destroy it." 

Any substance that has a power or inherent property to 
so change matter that life cannot maintain itself through 
such matter. 

Any substance that has an inherent power or property 
to destroy bioplasm: or perhaps the best definition would 
be: Any substance that has the power or inherent property 
to kill: quantity does not change quality. Poisons kill. 

Then we learn that all poisons have a tendency to de- 
stroy life, and sanative medicines have a tendency to assist 
the vital phenomena — or life. 

It is a fact that all food made use of by the human body 
is taken up by the central germinal spot, the bioplasm of 
the cell; and likewise the medicine that influences the 
living matter to perform its functions normally and har- 



78 ALCOHOL. 

moniously. All foods to a certain extent are medicine, 
and all true medicines are foods. 

No inorganic substance can become a part of the animal 
tissue, until it has first passed through the vegetable king- 
dom. If this is true — and all physiological research will 
substantiate this assertion — then a great many articles 
used by many, are not only unscientifically applied, but 
are detrimental to the human organism; such agents are 
mercury, arsenic, zinc, iron, etc. Those that are poison- 
ous kill; and those that are not poisonous, as iron, act as 
foreign substances, or irritants. 
All true medicines should be of a vegetable nature. 
Bi-carbonate of sodium will neutralize the acid condi- 
tions; sub-sulphate of iron will stop hemorrhage; these 
act locally, and should be given for that purpose, and as 
far as it goes, do well. But there are vegetable remedies 
that will do just as well, and better. 

The curative effect of all mineral waters is only local, a 
washing out of the various canals, as it were; and in that 
way may do some good, if they are free of noxious matter. 
Alcohol can be used as an antiseptic. It dissolves fatty 
matter, absorbs watery excretions, coagulates albuminous 
matter, and destroys all germs. On this account it can 
be used to good advantage to wash -the hands in before a 
surgical operation, and it is well adapted to immerse the 
instruments in before and during the operation. 

Old putrid sores are sometimes washed with alcohol be- 
fore applying the regular remedies. In fevers where the 
body is very dry and hot, alcohol is used to evaporate the 
heat and to dissolve the fatty waste material. 

It is often used in combination with chloroform and 
ether as an anaesthetic. 

While alcohol is used in the above mentioned circum- 
stances, yet we would not recommend it for such use. The 
hands harden when washed in alcohol. Hot water and 
soap is better. Your instruments immersed in hot water 
or some non-poisonous antiseptic, will produce better re- 
sults. 

Old sores are washed with alcohol, yet we have many 
superior articles, that will do better. Alcohol would ex- 
tract the water from the delicate blood-vessels, destroy 
healthy granulation, and do much harm generally. To 
wash the skin in fevers is not always best; it hardens and 
weakens th*» skin. It U no tonic to the skin, as is believed 



ALCOHOL. 79 

by many. Warm water with sanative agents is best. 

We believe that alcohol destroys many of the medical 
properties in extracting them from plants: therefore alco- 
holic preparations cannot always be depended upon. 

Very often symptoms of depression, which are supposed 
to be caused by an innocent agent is caused by the alcohol 
in the medicine. 

Alcohol given internally will arouse to action many or- 
gans; but this action is of an irritating nature, and func- 
tion is performed normally. Its injurious effect begins .is 
it enters the mouth. The mucous membrane is loose, soft 
and far more delicate than the external integument. 
Much is absorbed by the numerous <mall capillaries of the 
mouth, and here it begins its work of destruction. 

In the stomach where the surface is large, and the small 
blood vessels near the surface, much more harm is done: 
the alcohol absorbs the water of these tissues, coagulates 
their albuminous substance, —and we know that animal tis- 
sue contains a very large per cent, of albumen— injuring or 
killing the living matter of the cell, and in that way disin- 
tegrating the organized tissues, causing ulcers, much in- 
flammation and fever; which naturally produces a desire for 
drink. 

It'destroys the digestive fluids, and causes the food al- 
ready in the stomach to become almost indigestable. 

What remains unabsorbed passes on to the smaller intes- 
ines. Here among the delicate villi, much harm is done in 
the same way as above described. 

But all this in one sense is only local. When it enters 
the blood it at first injures or entirely destroys the white 
blood corpuscles. The red blood corpuscles which are the 
oxygen carriers suffer much. 

The plastic material is hardened in them, and when ex- 
amined under a microscope we can see some of them shriv- 
eled, others much enlarged and still others in a state of 
disintegration; so here we have disturbed one of the most 
important functions, that of supplying oxygen to the blood 
and the removing of carbon dioxide, And yet more, the 
blood contains the food for all the tissues of the body, and 
much of this is albuminous: this food is deranged and 
made unfit for the use of the animal economy. 

When alcohol has once reached the blood it passes to all 
the tissues of the body. Some receive more than others. 
The brain, heart, liver, kidneys and stomach suffer largely: 



80 ALCOHOL. 

but more or less all of the organs of the body. 

The child nursing its mother's breast gets a certain per 
cent, of alcohol; and even the urborn, that is nourished by 
the blood of its mother can become drunk before it opens 
its eyes to light, and be born a degraded wreck both physi- 
cally and mentally 

What a curse this common belief that the mother must 
use some alcoholic beverage — and it is for the alcohol in 
any of these liquors, that they are given, the other material 
in them is only like the aromatics in medicine to help it 
down to keep up her strength. How many poor beings are 
born with the alcoholic habit, how many with a weak ner- 
vous system, how many insane or become so during life, 
how many idiots, how many cripples, and how many with 
some other constitutional disease? 

We believe that alcohol causes the greater number of 
nervous diseases; insanity, mental debility, melancholia, 
hysteria, convulsions, vertigo, chcrea, paralysis of all forms, 
hysterio-epilepsy, nervous fits, infantile cerebral hemiple- 
gia, cerebral atrophy, athetosis, imbecility, cerebral scle- 
rosis, epilepsy, apoplexy, congenital imbecility, pachyder- 
mic cachexia, arrested development and perversion of in- 
stinct, alcoholism, tobacco and other degrading and deadly 
drug habits. It lays the foundation of many other diseases 
such as lung troubles, diseases of the heart, liver and kid- 
neys. 

A drunkard cannot withstand any disease or injury as 
well as an ordinary temperate man. It has been known 
that the scratch of a pin has proved fatal to a drunkard. 
As to the degree of drunkenness, depends a great deal on 
the amount taken, and on the resistive power in each 
body. When a person takes a teaspoonful, he is a tea- 
spoonful drunk; if he takes .1 "modest" drink, he is "mod- 
est" drunk; if he takes a gallon, he is a gallon drunk. 

The greater amount of crime, suicide and murder comes 
through Uie portals of alcohol. 

Alcohol is not a food; most of it is thrown off as alcohol 
through the lungs, skin and kidneys. It is possible that 
some of it becomes disorganized and passes out of the body 
with other excretions as a waste. The false theory as 
to nourishing patients with alcohol is of a very badly in- 
formed, unscientific nature. If patients live on a com- 
pound containing alcohol, it is not the alcohol that keeps 
them up, but they live in spite of the alcohol. It has been 



ALCOHOL. Si 

demonstrated over and over again that alcoholic Liquors 
contain do, or but very little, nourishment, and such 
nourishment does not come from the alcohol. 

Alcohol does not stimulate, but depresses and paralyzes. 
The warmth felt is only of an irritating nature, from 
the vital efforts to rid the body of an offending object. 

The flushed face or # surface is caused by partial paralysis 
of the nerve peripheries, and if this is continued will cause 
congestion, the vessels become dilated, the surface blue. 
and breaking down of the blood and blood-vessels will take 
.place — which can be seen so well in the nose of a drunk- 
ard. 

The heart beats faster, but it throws less blood than be- 
fore, because the nerves that control the heart are in a 
paralyzed condition. More waste is formed everywhere 
and less is thrown off. The lungs do not oxydize the 
blood sufficiently, because these nerves too are in a para- 
lyzed condition, so. often a drunkard dies of suffocation. 

Locomotion is interfered with. The mind becomes be- 
wildered, deranged or entirely confounded, because the 
brain is badly affected. 

We would like to go on and take up each department 
more thoroughly, but our article would be too lengthy: so 
we will quote from many eminent writers on this subject, 
and in that way will bring out other points and also give 
other authority than our own. 

If an honest observer will but take time and carefully 
investigate the teaching that 'poisonous drugs are cura- 
tive agents,' he will learn that such teaching is full of 
"absurdity, contradiction and falsehood.,' Such systems 
do not agree with themselves. Take for example Dr. Rob- 
ert Bartholow of Philadelphia, in bis Materia Medica: 
"In small doses not too frequently repeated, alco- 
hol increases the digestive power by stimulating [it does 
not stimulate] the flow of blood and soliciting a greater 
supply to the stomach-juices." This is mere guesswork; 
but he goes on and tells us that • "large doses impair diges- 
tion directly by precipitating the pepsin, an albuminoid 
ferment." He does not tell us what a small or large dose 
is, and should he do so it would not change matters any. 
What would be a small dose for one. would be a large dose 
for another. Alcohol is. generally given in some alcoholic- 
beverage, and you can never tell just how much alcohol 
the liquor contains, or of what strength the alcohol is 



82 ALCOHOL. 

itself, say nothing about the other injurious articles con- 
tained in many of the alcoholic liquors. We claim that a 
small amount of alcohol will produce the same effect as a 
larger dose; only, of course, not to so great an extent. But 
he says: "The structural alterations induced by the habit- 
ual use of alcohol, and the action of this agent on the pep- 
sin, seriously impairs the digestive power. " Then again 
he dares to say that, "Alcohol in small doses is a useful 
stomachic tonic. It is especially serviceable in the feeble 
digestion of old people, the atonic dyspepsia of the seden- 
tary, and in the slow and inefficient digestion of convales- 
cence from acute diseases." Again he says: "It should 
be prescribed with caution in these cases, especially in the 
atonic dyspepsia of women and of sedentary men, because 
of the danger that an alcohol habit may be formed." It 
is well that he should take notice of such a fact, but how 
can Dr Bartholow or any one else know who is or who is 
not easily predisposed to the alcohol habit ? Many people 
condemn alcoholic liquors when they are well, but as soon 
as they get sick they must have it in some form; yet who 
can blame the people ? The blame rests on the false 
teachers; and above all the false teachers are the doctors 
who so recklessly prescribe it for almost every known hu- 
man ailment. As Dr. Cheyne, of Dublin, Physician to the 
Forces, says: "The benefits which have been supposed, 
from their liberal use in medicine, and especially in those 
diseases which depend upon mere weakness, have invested 
these agents with attributes to which they have no claim, 
and hence we ought not to rest satisfied with mere ac- 
knowledgement of error, but we ought also to make every 
retribution in our power for having so long upheld one of 
the most fatal delusions that ever took possession of the 
human mind." But we must go on and quote. He says: 
"Excellent results are obtained from the use of brandy in 
the apepsia of inlants. The summer diarrhoea, both of 
children and adults, may be arrested by a full dose of 
brandy.'''' He tells us how brandy is made: "Brandy is 
also a solution of alcohol in water (48 to 56 per cent.). It 
contains a volatile oil, an ether peculiar to wine (oenanthic 
ether), coloring matters, tannic acid, aldehyde, and acetic 
ether. The odor is usually factitious; in pale brandy the 
color is derived from the cask; in dark brandy from cara- 
mel Brandy is made artificially from high wines by the 
addition of an ether (cognac, acetic or nitric), of coloring 



ALCOHOL. 83 

matter (burnt sugar), and an astringent to give it the nec- 
essary roughness of taste (logwood, catechu, etc.)." And 
this mixture to go into the delicate stomach of a weak and 
depressed infant ! But when given by a "self-styled prac- 
titioner" it must be swallowed, even if it does contain 
alcohol in water 48 to 56 per cent., say nothing about the 
other injurious "stuff.'" 

Then he goes on and recommends "alcoholic stimulants 
to counteract the depressing influence of certain agents on 
the action of the heart— as, for example, aconite, veratrum 
viride, conium, digitalis, and the poison of venomous 
snakes." These are all used as medicine, yet he speaks of 
them as "depressing influence." and recommends one of 
the most depressing agents to overcome the depressing 
influence of other deadly drugs. What kind of a being can 
understand such reasoning '/ 

Again: "Alcohol in some form is constantly prescribed 
in low conditions in fevers, acute inflammations, and de- 
pressing maladies of all kinds." To contradict this he 
says: "As respects its action on the nervous system, alco- 
hol is a narcotic." Well, if this is true, how can a sane 
man possibly prescribe alcohol '"in low conditions of fever." 
where the nervous system is always depressed, "and de- 
pressing maladies of all kinds ?" 

"It is directly indicated in chronic wasting diseases, 
especially in phthisis.'" Then again: "It is an interesting 
fact that an intractable form of phthisis is induced by 
alcoholic excess." "Before commencing the inhalation of 
chloroform, an ounce or two of whisky or brandy should be 
given to the patient." If chloroform depresses, alcohol 
does the same, only more so. Then, "With the increased 
action of the alcohol on the cerebrum the excitement be- 
comes disorderly, the ideas incoherent and rambling, the 
muscular movements uncontrolled and incoordinate (over- 
stimulation of the cells of the gray matter)." [More prop- 
erly over-depression — piralysis of such cells]. We could go 
on and quote much more, but this is sufficient to show the 
inconsistency of such teaching. Many others that recom- 
mend alcohol in the treatment of disease contradict them- 
selves likewise. 

With all due respect for such men, we feel sorry for 
their convictions: but more sorry for the thousands that 
suffer through such false theories. It is only alos, anoth- 
er, and ptfthos, suffering. 



84 ALCOHOL. 

Listen to Dr. J. W: Turner, of the Eoyal College of Sur- 
geons, who confirms the statements of Dr. Beale, of Eng- 
land. He says: "From my own experience, after thirty 
years 1 practice, I positively declare my opinion that half 
the untimely male deaths (innate phthisis excluded) are 
owing to the abuse of alcohol [in the use of it]; and I judge 
it incumbent on the medical profession, as guirdians of 
the public health and well-wishers of their fellow mortals, 
to make this evil of alcohol drinking better known." 

"Let us ask," he says, "the cause of a vast amount of 
kidney and liver diseases, diseases of brain and nervous 
system, insanity, paralysis, and idiocy? From what cause 
more than one- half the accidents which fill our hospitals ? 
What number of suicides occur in the depressing stage 
following over-excitement of alcohol? How many mur- 
ders in the non-natural state produced by it— not to men- 
tion the many cases of assaults which appear before our 
police courts and crowd our prisons? How many miser- 
able alcoholic dyspeptics apply daily to the profession for 
aid, and too often confirm their ill health by persisting in 
the use of stimulants [irritants, narcotic poison] that have 
brought them to their wretched condition ? Can we imag- 
ine that the public is fully aware of these facts, and that 
from alcohol or spirits of wine in small doses a person is 
quickly placed in such a non-natural position as will ex- 
cite him or her to commit such acts as in their normal 
state they would shudder to think of? Not a day passes 
without such sad evidences of spirit drinking being brought 
to the direct knowledge of medical men, and they, of all 
classes, I think, should give utterance to their opinion on 
this subject." 

This idea that alcohol is beneficial to the human body 
is so deeply rooted in the minds of the people that Prof. 
Bunge would say: "Nothing gives us such a perception of 
the selfishness of the human heart as an attentive attitude 
in regard to the alcohol question." Says Dr. Albert Day; 
"The drinking customs of society have developed very 
strange theories in order to sustain the custom, and in 
most cases they are the offspring of gros^ ignorance, or a 
mind befogged by alcohol. No matter how healthy a man 
is, if he indulges in alcohol even moderately, physical and 
mental degeneration will follow." 

Is Alcohol a Food ? — No. It is a common belief that, 
when a patient gets down so low that he cannot take 



ALCOHOL. 85 

nourishment very well, then alcohol in some beverage 
must be given to support life. 

Says one: "The chief utility of alcohol in these forms 
of disease is not as a stimulant, but as a food." 

Prof. Charles A. Cameron, Royal College of Surgeons. 
Ireland, says: "That alcohol is incapable of forming any 
part of the body is admitted by all physiologists. It can- 
not be converted" into brain, nerve, muscle or blood.'" 

Writes the editor of llie British Medical Journal. 
"The clinical facts which some writers have produced as 
demonstrative of the food-nature of alcohol, are, as such, 
worth absolutely nothing. We have no hesitation in say- 
ing that to call alcohol food, in The present state of our 
knowledge of its effects. is an abuse of language." 

We possess no particle of satisfactory and scientific evi- 
dence to show that it is such. Those who affirm that it is 
should give us something beyond the mere vague surmises 
of their own opinions. 

Dr. Robert B irtholow, M. A.. M. D., LL. I)., says: "The 
diminished power of resistance to cold shown by drunk- 
ards, has conclusively demonstrated that alcohol does not 
supply the place of other foods.*' 

Prof. G. Bunge, Professor of Physiological Chemistry in 
the University of Basle, Switzerland, says: "We do not 
know that alcohol burning in the system gives any strength 
to any muscular fiber, or nerve cell. Our tis>ues are not 
so created that every pleasant tasting substance will feed 
them. * * It is a deep-rooted belief that alcohol strength- 
ens the weary to new exertions and efforts. * * The error 
that alcohol strengthens the weary is most fatal in the 
class to which the largest part of the population belongs. 
Poor people whose income scarcely holds out for the supply 
of the barest necessities, are led by this mistaken notion 
to spend a very important part of their wages in drink, 
rather than in providing plentiful and nourishing food, 
which alone can lit them for hard work. * * It is the same 
with other poisons. The opium eater cannot work, or eat, 
or sleep on giving up his drug — he is "strengthened" by 
opium [so be thinks], but the man who is entirely fres 
from narcotics is the stronger, more capable man. Better 
than any scientific deductions, however, one learns the 
real uselessness — nay. the actual damage even— of moder- 
ate drinking, through the thousands of experiments made 
with the army, and which go to show, all of them, most 



86 ALCOHOL. 

conclusively, that soldiers in peace and in war, in all cli- 
mates, in heat, rain and cold, best endure the hardships of 
their labor and discipline when all kinds of intoxicating 
drinks are withdrawn from their supplies. % * Alcohol 
strengthens no one. It only dulls or deadens the feeling 
of fatigue." 

Dr. Frank Hamilton speaks as follows: "It is greatly 
to be hoped that these experiments may not be repeated 
in the United States army. We have reached the firm 
conviction, through observation and experience, that the 
customary use of alcohol is under no circumstances neces- 
sary for healthy persons. We make no exception for cold, 
rain, heat, nor even for the habits of former drinkers, 
when once they have enlisted." 

Prof. Beale, of England, says: "Alcohol is not a food, 
but is absorbed as alcohol. It does not act as a food; it 
does not nourish tissue. * * It cuts short the life of rapid. y 
growing bioplasm, or causes it to live more slowly, and 
thus tends to cause a diseased texture in which vital 
changes are abnormally active, to return to its normal and 
much less active condition. It is easy to prove that by 
these measures many cells that were alive are killed, and 
that those that escape death live and grow more slowly 
than before." 

Prof. N. S. Davis, A. M., M. D., LL. D., of Chicago, says 
that alcohol "is not assimilated, but is thrown off un- 
changed. As it is not assimilated, it cannot be a food." 

Dr. James Ross was told by a medical man that he kept 
a prematurely born child alive for the first three weeks by 
feeding it with whisky toddy. Seven years later the child 
was a puny little idiot. In nearly every instance where 
alcohol is given it is given with some nourishing food, as 
milk, and it is this that keeps the patient alive, not the 
alcohol. The patient lives in spite of the alcohol. 

Sir Ashley Cooper, England, an undisputed authority in 
his day, denounced habitual beer-drinking as noxious to 
health. Referring to his experience in Guy's Hospiial, he 
declared "that the beer-drinkers from the London brew- 
eries, though presenting the appearance of the most rug- 
ged health, were the most incapable of all classes to resist 
disease; that trifling injuries among them were liable to 
lead to the most serious consequences; and so prone were 
they to succumb to disease that they would sometimes die 



ALCOHOL. 87 

from gangrene in wounds as trifling as the scratch of a 
pin." 

Dr. John Higginbottom, F. R. S., after more than fifty 
years of practice, said: "Alcohol is neither food nor phys- 
ic." 

The eminent German chemist Baron Von Liebig says: 
"If a man drinks daily eight quarts of the best Bavarian 
beer, in the course of twelve months he will have taken 
into his system the nutritive constituents contained in a 
five-pound loaf of bread, or three pounds of beef"— 730 gal- 
lons— 23i barrels — nearly three tons in shape of beer against 
three to five pounds in ordinary foods. During that time 
he would pass through his system about one barrel of abso- 
lute alcohol; and this nourishment in shape of b»er would 
cost about $300.00. 

Is Alcohol a Stimulant ? t — Alcohol is not a stimulant 
but an irritant; a narcotic poison. 

The eminent Dr. Semnola. Professor in the College of 
Medicine at Naples, says: "I am of the opinion that 
alcohol is simply a toxicative, like many other antipyret- 
ics, as digitalis, phenic acid, etc., which poison the patient 
and those organs or tissues which are the necessary instru- 
ments of febrile manifestation. •' 

Dr. Reynolds: "It has been proved to be a true narcotic 
poison, of the same class as the so-called anaesthetics, chlo- 
roform, and sulphuric ether. * * Its influence is entirely 
in the direction of paralysis— suspension of nervous activ- 
ity— a source of deficient vital power." 

In Schmiedenberg's First Principles of Pharmacology, 
Leipsic, we read: "In general let it be understood that 
all the workings of alcohol in the system which usually 
are considered as excitement or stimulant, are only the 
indication of paralysis." 

Prof. Bunge: "The benumbing of all sense of fatigue or 
weariness belongs also among the tokens of paralysis so 
commonly attributed to stimulation." 

Prof. R. W. Wilcox, M. A., M. D., LL. D., in his Mate- 
ria Medica: "In many campaigns and Arctic expeditions 
it has been found that although at first the men, after 
taking alcohol, could do more work [so it would seem, in 
the stage of excitement], yet soon they felt so tired and 
exhausted, that on the whole they could do much more 
without than with the alcohol." 

Dr. Elislia Chenery, of Boston, author of a fine work— 



88 ALCOHOL. 

"Alcohol Inside Out"— says: ''Though alcohol may excite 
for a while a portion of the mind, it is always the lower 
faculties; while the higher, such as the judgment and rea- 
son, are always lessened: so that by this abeyance of the 
higher powers, the wise and learned, though they cease 
not to speak when drunk, they babble as fools; and not in- 
frequently have decrees been issued and armies marched 
under the authority of this species of stupidity." 

Prof. K S. Davis, A. M., M. D., LL. D., of Chicago, says 
that alcohol "does not stimulate or strengthen, but de- 
presses and weakens." 

Alcohol is an irritant, a narcotic poison. 

Prof. William Hargreaves, M. D., of Philadelphia, in his 
tine paper on alcohol, says: "For alcohol, in all its forms, 
instead of nourishing, poisons; instead of stimulating, nar- 
cotizes and paralyzes; instead of increasing the vital forces, 
diminishes force, produces disease, and is an agent of de- 
generation and death." 

Dr. F. R. Lee, of England, says: "All poisons lessen 
vitality and deteriorate -the ultimate tissue in which force 
is reposited. Alcohol is an agent, the sole, perpetual and 
inevitable efforts of which are to avert blood development, 
to retain waste matter, to irritate mucous and other tis- 
sues, to thicken normal juices, to impede digestion, to 
lower animal heat, to deaden nervous sensibility, to kill 
molecular life, and to waste, through the excitement it 
creates in heart and head, the grand controlling forces of 
the nerves and brain." 

Reynolds says: "It has been proved to be a true narcotic 
poison. * * Its influence is entirely in the direction of 
paralysis— suspension of nervous activity— a source of deti- 
cient vital power." 

Sir William Gull, M. D., states that "the commonest 
thing in British society is that people are injured without 
being drunkards. "From my experience, alcohol is the 
most destructive agent that we are aware of." 

Dr. Desquin, of Antwerp, in a paper published in the 
Bulletin Generate de Therapeutlque for October 25th. 
1875, said: "Two phases should be distinguished in the 
physiological action of alcohol and alcoholic drinks. The 
first is characterized -by excitations of all parts of the 
nervous system, ganglionary as well as cerebro-spinal; the 
second, by the depression of all the acts of organic and ani- 
mal life." 



ALCOHOL. 89 

Dr. J. Mathews Duncan: -'That alcohol does not pro- 
duce equally palpable evidence of poisonous effects on all. 
argues no more against its poisonous nature than the dif- 
ferent effects of opium, arsenic, or lead on different per- 
sons." 

Dr. W. B. Richardson, F. R. S.: "The true character of 
alcohols is that they are agreeable temporary shrouds " 

Dr. N. S. Davis says: "Alcohol is a poison." 

Dr. Dunglison says: "That alcohol in large doses is such 
a poison admits of no question. All medical and medico- 
legal writers so classify it; and all practitioners become 
painfully familiar with the fact. * * It is in any form 
and dose noxious to the body." 

Prof "T. L. Mason says that "alcohol is a poison inhe- 
rently, absolutely, essentially; in a drop or in a gill, in a 
pint or in a gallon, in all quantities and in every quality, 
it is a poison. Its quantity does not alter its chemical 
constitution." 

Prof. Willard Parkes: "Alcohol has no place in the 
healthy system, but is an irritant poison, producing a dis- 
eased condition of the body, and mind." 

In Health.. —There is no human body so healthy or strong 
that it will not in time be ruined by the continual use of 
alcohol, even moderately. Some can stand more of the 
degenerating effect than others, just as many can with- 
stand cold, heat and rain better; yet all must in time be 
bent low by the depressing effects. In the United States 
Dispensatory we find the following: "As an article of 
daily use, alcoholic liquors produce the most deplorable 
consequences." 

Prof. E. A. Parkes, Netley, England: "Experience de- 
cidedly shows that the highest health, the greatest vigor 
and long life are quite compatible with entire abstinence 
from these liquors." 

Dr. W. Parker says: "Alcohol has no place in the 
healthy system." 

Dr. Hudson says: "By continuing our alcoholic stimu- 
lants [not stimulants] we retard the process, thus acting 
contrary to the indications of nature." 

Dr. George M. Beard, of New York, says of alcohol that 
it "in every way works more injury than benefit." 

Prof. Sydney Ringer, M. D., says: "There can be no 
doubt that healthy persons, capable of the fullest amount 
of mental and physical exertion without the stimulus of 



90 ALCOHOL. 

alcohol, not only do not require it, but are far better with- 
out it." 
Alcohol Causes Diseases of a Great Variety. — 

James L. Perryman, A. M., M. D., of Illinois, says that 
"alcohol is no more the gift of a beneficent Creator than 
small-pox, yellow fever, diphtheria, measles, typhus, ty- 
phoid, leprosy, or any contagious or infectious disease. 
Alcohol passes through the animal economy unchanged, 
scorching, burning, disorganizing, paralyzing, and break- 
ing down sooner or later every tissue it comes in contact 
with." 

Prof. N. S. Davis says alcohol "disturbs physical proc- 
esses and lays the foundation of disease." 

Alcohol causes cirrhosis of the liver. Of twenty cases of 
this disease seen by Prof. Austin Flint, seventeen admit- 
ted intemperance, and another was not an abstainer. Of 
twenty-four cases caused by liquor, he found twenty-three 
drank spirits and one beer. 

Dr. Loomis, in his "Practice," states that "those who 
take alcohol before breakfast as well as through the day 
are almost certain to develop cirrhosis of the liver," 

Dr. H. F. Formad, of Philadelphia, found that of 250 
bodies of chronic drinkers examined, 220 or 88 per cent, 
had fatty livers that were more or less enlarged. 

According to Dr. Edward Goodeve, "atrophy of the liver, 
which is so frequent in Europe, is to be ascribed chiefly to 
the use of alcoholic drinks among the people." 

Dr. S. J. Goodfellow, Physician to the Middlesex Hospi- 
tal, regards it an unquestionable fact, that alcoholic com- 
pounds are a very frequent cause of kidney disease and 
albuminous urine. 

Alcohol is Given in Consumption— Dr. Lebert, who has 
seen much practice in Germany, France and Switzerland, 
strongly condemns alcohol as a cause of consumption, and 
never intimates that it will help cure it. And no less an 
authority than Dr. Austie insists that no form of con- 
sumption is so utterly fatal as that arising from alcohol. 
This form is usually what physicians call the "fibroid" 
consumption, corresponding to cirrhosis in other parts. 

The Effect of Alcohol on the Heart —Prof. R. W. Wil- 
cox, M. A., M. D., LL. D., in his Materia Medica, says: "It 
has been repeatedly proved that these good results are but 
transitory. The heart, although at first stimulated [irri- 
tated], is m >:-j exhausted aftor t/ie stimulation has passed 



ALCOHOL. 91 

off, than it was before. This is also true of all the or- 
gans." 

Dr. B. W. Richardson, of London, studied the heart with 
the aid of instruments of precision, showing that the heart 
beat was decidedly altered in persons much short of ine- 
briety. Total abstinence and time were both necessary 
to restore the heart to normal function again. 

Dr. Aitken asserts that ''alcohol acts specifically on the 
heart, and the powers of the heart are often permanently 
augmented, whilst the coats of the arteries, thickened, 
thinned or ulcerated, have their elasticity destroyed and 
thus the tendency to hemorrhage in the brain is increased."' 

Dr. Thomas Sewall, who has held many autopsies on the 
bodies of the intemperate, observes: ' I am inclined to 
think that the heart seldom escapes injury." 

Dr. Marvand of France, and Dr. Zimmerberg of Germa- 
ny, through their experiments made with the sphygmo- 
graph, or pulse-writer, have learned that "large doses in- 
crease at first and then diminish the heart's action; and 
very large doses depress from the first." 

Prof. Martin, of the John Hopkins University, one of 
the foremost experimenters in physiology in this country, 
aided by the fine instruments of precision of that highly 
endowed university, has made many experiments to dem- 
onstrate the action of alcohol on the heart, and has found 
by comparison that an ounce of whisky or brandy always 
lessens the force of that organ, though generally increas- 
ing its frequency. But frequency is often only the indica- 
tion of weakness, as is so often seen in disease and when 
the physical powers are going out in death. This weak- 
ness so clearly made out from an ounce of such spirits, 
becomes more and more decided as the dose is increased. 
This is an unequivocal demonstration which must be ac- 
cepted. 

Prof. A. B. Palmer, M. D., who was president of the 
medical department of the University of Michigan up to 
his death, made the following remarks in an address: 

"We thought, and we may sometimes still think, alcohol 
makes us witty. We know from observation it makes 
men silly. We thought it brightened the intellect and 
might make men wiser; we find that in the long run, at 
least, it dulls the intellect and makes men foolish. Wine 
has been called the 'milk of age,' and we thought it sup- 
ported advanced life; we know that the aged live longer 



92 ALCOHOL. 

and retain their powers better without their use. Asa 
medicine, we thought it protected against epidemic dis- 
eases; we know now that it invites attacks. We thought 
it prevented and even cured consumption; we know it is 
the almost frequent cause of at least one form of that dis- 
ease. As our scientific knowledge of alcohol advances, our 
practice with it and our language respecting it should 
change. As to its physiological effects, we have certainly 
in many respects been mistaken in the past. We have 
said it excited the vaso-motor nerves of the surface and 
thus increased vascular action in the cutaneous circula- 
tion; we know now it depresses these nerves and causes 
passive dilatation of the surface vessels. We thought it 
increased animal heat; the thermometer shows it dimin- 
ishes it. We thought that, from more blood coming to 
the surface and sometimes causing a feeling of warmth, it 
would diminish the danger from exposure to cold; we find 
that, from less heat being produced in the centers, and 
more being lost from the surface by the increased blood in 
the superficial vessels, the danger of exposure to cold is 
greatly increased. We said tte alcohol taken was oxydized 
in the lungs, and that increased heat and other forms of 
force were thus produced; we find that it is not thus ox- 
ydized, and that under its influence heat and the other 
forms of force are lessened We thought it increased mus- 
cular strength, and it was taken to aid men in their work; 
we find that it diminishes muscular power, both for im- 
mediate action and with reference to endurance We said 
it was a direct heart excitor; we now know it is a direct 
heart depresser. We said, and nearly all the text-books 
still say, it is a cardiac stimulant; .we know from most 
conclusive experience it is a direct cardiac paralyzant." 

Alcohol in Cholera, Yellow Fever and all Intestinal 
Diseases. — Dr. Christison mentions a case where the whole 
lining coat of the stomach was in a gangrenous state, and 
the large and small intestines were red or inflamed their 
whole length. Dr. Jacobs confirms these observations. 

Remembering that fact and knowing that alcohol is one 
of the principal agents of many practitioners in the treat- 
ment of cholera, yellow fever and allied diseases, we will 
listen to those who have had much experience in this line; 
When cholera was prevailing in 1832, The London Morn- 
ing Herald put forth this announcement; "Intemper- 
ance is a e Ratification it never overlooks. Often hns it 



ALCOHOL. 93 

passed harmless over wide population of temperate coun- 
try people, and poured down, as an overwhelming scourge, 
upon the drunkards of some distant town.'* 

The testimony of Dr. Mackintosh, of the extensive chol- 
era hospital in Edenbury, is this: "Drunkards were the 
persons generally attacked; and, above all, the first victims 
are the dissipated, particularly those addicted to the use of 
ardent spirits.'' 

Dr. Bronson, who has treated many cases of cholera in 
Montreal, said: "The disease has searched out the haunts 
of the drunkard, and has seldom left it without bearing 
away its victims: even moderate drinkers have been but 
little better off.'' 

Under the false theory that alcohol is a preventive of 
such diseases, and especially cholera, many persons resort- 
ed to their bottle; but, says Dr. Bronson, •they did it at 
their peril." 

It is a stated fact that out of one thousand deaths in the 
city of Montreal only two were members of temperance 
societies of any kind. '-During this same time there were 
5,000 members of temperance societies in the city of Al- 
bany, N. Y., and Dr. Mussey testifies that only two of 
them fell by that disease." 

There were 204 cases in Park Hospital in New York, and 
Dr. Sewall, who came from Washington on a visit, made 
inquiry and reported that only six of them were tem- 
perance men, and they all recovered, while those who 
used alcoholic drinks all died. "(On account of this 
scourge the grog-shops were closed, as a nuisance to public 
health.)" 

In 1853 nine hundred persons died in Rotterdam of the 
disease, and only three were total abstainers. 

In Tifflis. in Asiatic Russia, a city of 20.000 inhabitants, 
Mr. Ruber reported that "every drunkard has fallen; all 
are dead; not one remains." 

What is true of cholera is also true of yellow fever. 

Dr. James Rush, who was a witness to a fearful outbreak 
of this plague in Philadelphia, said: — "Every species of 
inflammatory and putrid fever is rendered more frequent 
and dangerous by the use of spirituous liquors. This has 
been remarked in all the yellow fevers wmich have visited 
the United States. Hard drinkers seldom escape and rare- 
ly recover." 

Dr. G. Dowell of Texas, who lias had very large oppor- 



94 ALCOHOL. 

tunities for observation, writes: — "All habitual drinkers 
died, none recoverd who were taken while drunk." 

In New Orleans 5000 died of the disease ere one sober man 
was touched.— "Alcohol inside out." 

The alcoholic liquors are taken to keep the cold out in 
winter and to keep the heat out in summer. They are 
taken for colds and when a man is out in the cold weather 
he takes it to prevent taking cold. When a man is nearly 
frozen to death, it is given to warm him up. When a per- 
son is overcome by heat or burning with a fever, it is given 
to revive him or to reduce the fever. 

With us on the Congo "says Henry M. Stanly" where 
men must work and bodly movement is compulsory, the 
very atmosphere seems to be fatally hostile to the physipue 
of men who pin their faith on whisky, gin and brandy. 
They invariably succumb. And again in the Journal of 
Balneology we read that Stanly Yery positively declares 
that Englishmen can keep their health under the Equator 
only on condition that they entirely relinquish alcohol even 
the use of light-wine or malt liquor is followed by the most 
unfavorable effects, and in course of a few months or a year 
the health is broken down and death or invalidism follows. 

Greely, the great Arctic explorer said that:— "Those 
who vsed alcoholic drinks could not stand the cold as 
well as those who used no alcoholic drinks of any kind, 
stood much more cold, hunger and hardships than those 
who did. The latter soon gave out, froze or died of exhaus- 
tion." 

Soldiers in peace and in war, in all climates, in heat, rain 
and cold, best endure the hardships of their labors and dis- 
cipline when all kinds of intoxicating drinks are with- 
drawn from their supplies. ** Eesults like these are also 
to be seen in the navy, as well as among merchantmen, 
thousands of which go to sea from America and England 
without a drop of spirits on board and it matters not 
whether in the tropic, temperate or friged zones.— Prof. 
Bunge. 

As the result of a great many observations taken in con- 
junction with Dr. Richards, every quarter of an hour, for 
several hours, on persons of all ages, we found that alcohol, 
brandy and wine, diminished temperature. ** These obser- 
vations have been confirmed by Prof. Bing of Boner, and 
Dr. Richardson, who asserts that all alcohols reduce the 
animal temperature. "— Ringer. 



ALCOHOL. 95 

Dr. Davis:- "It diminishes nervous sensibility, reduces 
temperature, and retards molecular change." 

The general idea that mothers who nurse their children 
should use some alcoholic beverage is wrong; and very in- 
jurious to both mother and child. 

The milk of a drinking nurse is prejudicial to infants. 
The observing Scotch doctor Macnish, says:-Such children 
are almost always sickly; subject especially to derange- 
ments of the digestive organs and to convulsive affections.'' 

Dr. North has been obliged to discharge such nurses, 
transfering the children to the breast of abstaining women 
with immediate benefit. 

Prof. J. Redding, M. D. author of Physiology, it science 
and Philosophy," says;— "But worse than all else — yea a 
thousand fold more disastrous in its damnable influence, it 
even penetrates into the pregnant womb and there 
grasps the unborn babe in a vice-like grip, and sad to say 
may never let go either throughout time or endless eterni- 
ty." 
What Life Insurance Statistics show. 

President Green, of the Connecticut Mutual Life In- 
surance Company, says:— "The degree to which many dis- 
eases commonly referred to as malaria, overwork and other 
vague general scape goat causes, are actually grounded in 
what would almost invariably be called a temperate use of 
drink by persons of reputed temperate habits, would be in- 
credible to the mass of people unaccustomed to careful ob- 
servation and comparison of related cases". 

Mr. John Rutherford, some years ago, made the follow- 
ing statement: a certain assurance offlce with which he 
was connected, issued 30000 policies to moderate drinkers, 
and 10,000 to teetotalers, excluding all publicans, 
brewers, and free - drinkers, and the mortality of 
the two classes was kept separate. During the first thirty 
years the mortality of the teetotalers was 9 per cent 
less than that of the moderate drinkers, while for the 
last eight years it has been 25 per cent less. 

In 1886 the Total Abstinence Department of the Sceptre 
Life Association of England had at risk 3901 lives, of whom 
only 14 died, being less than four per 1000. During the last 
21 years this association should have lost 361, but as a mat- 
ter of fact only 163 died, less than i the usual death rate 
where drinkers are insured. 

Dr. W. B. Carpenter says:— k 'The average mortality for 



96 



ALCOHOL. 



the whole population of England is twenty-three per thou- 
sand. Those insured in life insurance companies, eleven per 
thousand, those insured in Friendly Societies (Masonic. 
Odd Fellows, and others) ten per thousand; in the Rechab- 
ites, who are total obstainers, seven and one half pei thou- 
sand. 

The Pennsylvania Insurance Report of 1874 gives the 
following rate of death during the preceding year. 

Western Masonic, R. A., death per 1000. 14. 

Odd Fellows, " " " 6* 

United Brethren, (M.) " " " 8. 

Temperance Mutual, " " " 4. 

Alcohol as a medicine:— Dr. Davis, who has had many 
years of experience, gives his testimony as follows:- I have 
demonstrated by the last forty years of actual experience 
that no form ot -alcoholic drink, either fermented or distill- 
ed, is necessary or desirable for internal use, either in 
health or any of the varied forms of diseases: but that 
health can be better preserved, and disease be more success- 
fully treated, without the use of such drinks." 

The theory that alcohol is necessary in treatment of 
pneumonia has received a death blow from Dr. Bull of New 
York, who finds that in the New York Hospitals sixty-five 
per cent of the pneumonia patients die under alcohol treat- 
ment, while in London, at the Object Lesson Temperance 
Hospital, only five per cent die. 

S. Wilks, M, D., Physician to Guy's Hospital, London, 
says:- "To my mind, the most important question in ther- 
apeutics at the present day is the value of alcohol in dis- 
ease. If it be said that its frequent use is an evidence of 
its potency, this is the more sufficient reason why its ad- 
ministration should be watched with the extremest care. 
So wedded, however, are some to an idea of the absolute 
necessity of stimulants, that they have expressed almost 
incredility when they have heard it stated that fevers 
would terminate favorable without them. Young persons 
with typhus and typhoid do far better without them. ** 
It is also a fact that in bronchitis I have repeatedly seen 
improvement after stimulants [irritants] have been omit- 
ted; and, as regards heart disease, I am convinced that 
the amount of mischief done is immense. In the case of 
fevers and bronchitis, the weak pulse is often but an indi- 
cation of extreme capillary congestion, and a stimulus to 
the heart often aggravates the evil; and in the case of a 



ALCOHOL. 97 

diseased and weak heart, where repose is indicated, a con- 
stant stimulation by alcohol [not stimulation but depres- 
sion, paralyzing, poisoning] adds immensely to the trouble. 

* * Do not then assume that alcohol is an equivalent 
to a tonic, and that it must, be necessarily administered 
because your patient i> weak. 1 1 may be that that very 
weakness is due to the long-continued pernicious effect of 
this same stimulant: indeed, as you have often heard me 
say in # the out-patient room, if a man comes into our pres- 
ence with a tottering gait, a bloated face, and his nervous 
energy all gone, you may be quite sure that he has been 
taking 'strengthening' things all his life." 

John Higginbottom, F. K. S.. F. R. C 8.: -'1 gave alco- 
hol in my practice for twenty years, and have now prac- 
ticed without it for thirty years or more. My experience 
is that acute disease is more readily cured without it. 
and chronic diseases made much more manageable. 1 
have not found a single patient injured by its disuse, or a 
constitution requiring it: indeed, to find either, although 
I am in my 77th. year I would walk fifty miles to see such 
an unnatural phenomena." 

J. W. Beaumont, M. D., L. 11. C. P., Edenboro: "I have 
treated several thousands of cases off all kinds occurring 
in general practice without alcoholic liquors of ill kinds. 
The medicines take effect more potently, and answer their 
end better. Patients get well much sooner, and, as a nat- 
ural consequence, my bills are considerably less." 

Sir Henry Thompson regards it as ••a luxury, and not in 
any sense a medicine." 

Dr. Callenette, of the Isle of Guernsey, writes. "'For 
twenty-one years I have banished all intoxicants from my 
practice, and during that period 1 have made not fewer 
than 180,000 medical visits, and I hesitate not to say that 
the recoveries have been more numerous and more rapid 
than they were during the five years I followed the usual 
practice and administered brandy, wine and beer.'' 

Dr. Austie, of London, speaks of the alcoholic system of 
treatment, that ''it is a system fraught with danger of the 
gravest kind." 

Dr. B. W.Richardson [London Lancet 187H): "As a 
medicine it has no place." 

Dr. Henry Leftman condemns it on scientific grounds, 
and turning the tables on those who prescribe it makes 
them responsible for a lar«e proportion of the misery it 



98 ALCOHOL. 

occasions and declares the time come when the profession 
should take a stand for abstinence. Years ago Dr. It. D. 
Mussey insisted that so long as alcohol retained a place 
among sick patients so long would there be drunkards. 

Dr. Davis: -'There is no disease that can not be better 
treated without than with it.'* 

Alcohol Causes Insanity. — Dr. Ogston teaches that 
"the nervous centres present the greatest amount Of mor^ 
bid change, the morbid appearance within the head ex- 
tending to over 92 per cent, of cases examined by him. 

Dr. Behics, a French physician, reporting on the phys- 
ical causes of insanity in that country, puts down 34 per 
cent, of 8,800 lunatics of alcoholic liquors; and no doubt 
but what the percentage is much higher. 

Dr, Romberg, of Berlin, having passed an army of 50,000 
of his insane countrymen under his eyes, speaks thus: 
"The diseased condition of the blood and its vessels exerts 
an undoubted influence on the mind. The affections of 
the brain, such as vertigo, dizziness, fear, terror, etc., are 
caused in a great measure by the continued use of spiritu- 
ous liquors and other narcotics, that influence the blood- 
vessels of these parts. So, after a time the mind becomes 
clouded, and sopor-drowsiness, paralysis and death super- 
venes." 

Dr. D. H. Tuke, in "Manual of Psychological Medicine,*' 
states that "insanity produced by intemperance is unfa- 
vorable, and when it does not assume an incurable form, 
manifests a strong tendency to relapse after recovery." 

Dr, Harlow, of the Maine Insane Hospital, says: "It is 
quite a frequent occurrence to have patients brought in to 
us. between the ages of 50 and 70, who in early life were 
given to the use of alcoholic drinks, but had reformed and 
lived temperate lives ten* twenty or thirty years prior to 
the appearance of their malady, showing conclusively, to 
my mind, that the alcohol taken thus early left a damaged 
brain, doubly susceptible to mental derangement." 

Dr. Contesse, Superintendent of the Bicetre, near Paris* 
states "that over 25 per cent, of cases received are due to 
alcoholic drinks." 

Dr. Harlow: "The brain and nervous system of men. 
when acted upon for a considerable length of time by alco- 
holic drinks, by narcotics, as tobacco, opium, chloroform, 
chloral hydrate, or any of the nerve stimulants [nerve de- 
depressants], are pretty certain to give forth uncertain and 



ALCOHOL. 99 

unreliable mental manifestations which soon ripen into 
unmistakable disease — insanity." 

Lord Shaftesberry. in his evidences before the Commit- 
tee on Lunatics, in 1859, expressed his opinion that fifty 
per cent, of the insane admitted into English asylums 
owed the cause of their mental state to intemperance, and 
quoted the authority of Esquirol in support of the state- 
ment. 

AVe now come to one of the most serious questions — that 
of heredity. 

The alcoholic liquors may dull the intellect— the face of 
a bright, intelligent young man may be disfigured, so that 
he will stagger along the street with blinded and bleared 
eyes, with red congested nose, bloated face; and long be- 
fore he enters the good years of old age, to go down as a 
miserable wreck, into ruin and disgrace, and end in a 
drunkard's grave, from whence there will be no return. 
All alcohol drinkers are walking advertisements for alco- 
hol, showing the way to misery, to degeneration and to 
death. 

The grog-shops may hang out bright glittering bottles, 
to waylay the virtuous and innocent passer-by, and even 
succeed to entice him through the doors that lead to 
eternal darkness, and keep him there— for "brigands, 
gangs of robbers, prostitutes, cannot dispense with alco- 
hol." It may be given to the father to so derange his rea- 
soning faculties that he will slay his whole family. It may 
be forced down the throats of helpless invalids, who cry 
for mercy and for health, but o-ly to be held down with 
that powerful arm of destruction, that will take the very 
food in their system and destroy it; that will depress, par- 
alyze, irritate, poison and destroy life. Yet all is not one- 
half so sad as to be born with the alcohol habit. What 
curse on earth can there be worse than to be born with 
the disease of alcoholism? No matter how good a man 
may be, how determined his intentions, he is bound to fall 
sometime. No matter how high an office in life he is hold- 
ing, he will fall in spite of all he can do. into the bot- 
tomless abyss of the "outcasts of society," and go friend- 
less, homeless and Godless into the dark avenues of death. 

This, above all. should make sane people think— to have 
mercy on the generations to come, if indeed they do not 
care for their own welfare. How few— even people who 
class themselves among the good on earth — will not turn 



100 ALCOHOL. 

away from the voice of an honest teacher, whose heart is 
breaking within him to tell his fellow men of the dangers 
of alcohol poisoning. Much blame rests on them who 
would know truth only so far as not to interfere with their 
own selfishness. 

Then we would most earnestly appeal to the medical 
profession, who should be guardians of public health, to 
study this question more carefully, and we are sure, when 
the medical profession will come out right then the alco- 
holic liquor, with all its branches, will become less, year 
by year, till at last the thousands on earth can shout as 
with one mighty voice, "Hallelujah ! The agent that was 
the greatest curse to humanity with many of its branches 
is dead." Such a time will come when the doctors will 
tell the truth concerning alcohol. 

The term alcoholism was coined by Magnus Huss. 

All ancient authority who had any occasion to speak on 
the propensity for strong drink, whether they were philos- 
ophers or physicians, noted its transmissibility from 
parents to offspring. 

Dr. J. D. Steele, in his "Hygienic Physiology/' says: 
"The alcohol craving may be transmitted from father to 
son, and young persons often find themselves cursed with 
a terrible disease known as alcoholism." 

Gall, an authority of note, admits the transmissibility 
of the propensity for strong drink. 

Giron de Bonzareinque, in his book on Procreation, says 
that he knows of families where this morbid, unfortunate 
fondness for alcoholics was transmitted from generation 
to generation through the mothers. 

Thonreuf (thesis 1859), Conlesse (thesis 1882). also Marce, 
admitted fully the heredity of alcoholism. 

Lancereaux and Fournier suggest that the proneness in 
certain cases to alcoholic excess "is the result of an innate 
vitalized predisposition, and that habitual drunkenness is. 
in some eases, certainly the outgrowth of a morbid trans- 
mission." 

Tagnet ("Heredity in Alcoholism." Ann. Medic. Psycho . 
1877, Vol. II. , p. 5) admits, "for alcoholism, as in all other 
diseases, is transmitted from the procreators." He dwells 
particularly upon the morbid manifestations produced by 
alcoholism of the procreators upon the constitutions of 
their progeny. 

Dr. Paul Sollier. resident physician in the Paris Hospi- 



ALCOHOL. 101 

tal, tells us in his admirable article on "The Influence of 
Heredity on Alcoholism," that "We have found some very 
interesting inferences from the discussions of our present 
point in two recent theses by Grenier and by Legrain. 
Grenier, studying the progeny of alcohol ismics, shows by 
numerous instances that weak minded subjects are very 
much inclined to abuse of strong drink, and that from be- 
ing at first hereditary alcohol ism ies. they become inebri- 
ates by the same sequence as their procreators. We see 
alcoholics not only generating feeble offsprings, but im- 
planting in them also the taint of alcoholism. Hard 
drinkers procreate hard drinkers in a notable proportion 
of cases.'' 

Legrain (thesis 1886) says: "If t he re are any two propo- 
sitions that we have the right to formulate at the present 
day, the following 'are the two: 1.— Cerebral inferiority. 
the direct cause of excesses in strong drink, has its origin 
most frequently in heredity: that is, excessive drinkers 
are degenerates. 2. — Alcoholism is one of the most power- 
ful causes of mental degeneration: that is. the sons of 
inebriates are degenerates. The relations between alco- 
holism and mental degeneracy are comprised within this 
vicious circle, which is irrefutably traced out and confirmed 
by innumerable most eloquent medical observations.'* 
Further he says: "There are but few cases of degenerates 
in the careful study of which we may not discover, some- 
where, evidences of excessive addiction to strong drink. 
On the other hand, it is notorious that in the category of 
confirmed inebriates we find their progeny to include cases 
of idiocy, imbecility, weak-mindedness, and various neu- 
ropathies, of which the mo^t frequent is epilepsy.'' 

Dr. Crothers says: "In many cases alcoholism has a 
preliminary period, varying in duration, before the addic- 
tion to strong drink develops itself; and in some cases 
before the initiation by the first alcoholic indulgence. 
Alcoholism then makes itself known under shelter of the 
reparatory measure against the wear and waste of years, 
or after a nervous shock, or some sickness, entirely outside 
of all temptations and simply from the habitual use of 
stimulants. The patient commences to drink for relief to 
liis suffering; then he increases his potations; and finally 
he cannot do without them. Such a subject has started 
with latent alcoholism." 

Sollier shows that "in 141 cases the alcoholism was 



102 ALCOHOL. 

linked with conditions of heredity, viz.. in 106 cases by 

heredity in similars and in 35 cases by heredity in dissimi- 

lars. * * If we analyze the cases of heredity in similars 

we find : 

Transmission to 2 generations. 93 cases. 

" 3 " 10 " . 

u 4 « 3 u 

In certain cases we have observed that alcoholism, after 
having been transmitted directly to two generations in 
one branch of the family, has been transmitted indirectly 
in skipping from the first to the third generation, tainting 
a member of another branch of the family. In one case 
the alcoholism, after being transmitted directly to the 
first two generations, was transmitted collaterally to the 
third and fourth generations, among which it was again 
transmitted directlv.'' 

According to Darwin (Zoonomia) alcoholism is transmit- 
ted through three generations, "after having gradually 
sunk in the scale of degeneration both physically and men- 
tally ." 

Morel, in his "Degenerations" (p. 114). gives the follow- 
ing: 

••First generation--alcoholie excesses, depravity, moral 
turpitude, brutal instincts. 

"Second — habitual drunkenness, attacks of mania, gen- 
eral paralysis. 

"Third — hypochondriacal, thoughts of suicide, thoughts 
of homicide. 

"Fourth— undeveloped intelligence, stupidity, idiocy, 
and finally, probable extinction of the race." 

Dr. Tarquet says that "the children of drunkards are 
not all of necessity idiots, lunatics or epileptics, but there 
are few that present nothing abnormal: and in those of 
seeming freedom, the germ may be late in developing it- 
self." 

Fusch speaks of three young men whose father was a 
drunkard; two of them followed his example quite early, 
and the other one became a drunkard very suddenly at 
the age of thirty. 

The Herald of Health speaks of startling results of a 
study of the posterity in ten families of drinkers and ten 
families of non-drinkers: "The direct posterity of the ten 
families of drinkers included 57 children. Of these 25 
died in the first weeks and months of their life, six were 



ALCOHOL. 103 

idiots, in five children a striking backwardness of their 

longitudinal growth was observed, live were affected with 
epilepsy, live with inborn diseases - One boy was taken 
with cholera and became idiotic. 

'•Thus of 57 children of drinkers only ten. or 17.5 per 
cent., showed a normal constitution and development. 

The ten sober families had 61 children. Five only died 
in the first weeks, four were affected with curable disea^- 
of the nervous system, two only presented inborn defect--. 
The remaining fifty — 81.9 percent. — were normal in their 
constitution and development."* 

Rut alcoholic heredity carries with it more than the 
mere taking to the cup; it leads to suicide and to every 
namabie crime. Nowlm was a drunkard, a dipsomaniac. 
and is dead. His second son. aged seventeen, expiated on 
the gallows a horrid murder, while two younger sons have 
received sentences. Dupuy mentions four brothers, sons 
of inebriety, all of whom took their own lives. 

The following shocking facts are by Tarquet: "The 
head of the family was a drunkard and a debauchee. His 
wife, though remarkably sober herself, was t lie daughter 
of a drunkard and had two brothers, both drunkards. 

"These parents brought five children into the world, 
three sons and two daughters. The oldest was like his 
father, married and had three dissolute children. The 
second boy has been twice sent to the asylum for mania 
and homicidal impulses. The third was a debauchee, and 
died of consumption, of which there was none in the fam- 
ily, at the age of twenty-one. 

'•The oldest girl married, and is the mother of a licen- 
tious, drunken thief. The second girl, though married. 
lias lost all moral sense and decency, and is leading a most 
irregular life."— Alcohol Inside Out. 

Now for just one point more. After reading this article 
there may stili be some who will tell us that there are 
other physicians who administer alcoholic liquors, and 
that ••they know all about it." The time has not long 
passed when just as able and wise physicians used for med- 
icine, powder of viper's flesh and bones, volatile salts of 
earth worms, man's hair, powdered negro skull and dried 
human flesh, crab's eyes, hog and dog excrements dried 
and roasted — by such men that reason as all alcohol doc- 
tors do. 

We will show that the alcoholic liquors are bad. and are 



104 ALCOHOL. 

dangerous in the treatment of disease, in another point of 
view. 

1st. No one can tell just how much to give: just what 
is a small or a large dose in many cases. 

2d. You can never tell just how much alcohol the liquor 
contains, or of what strength the alcohol is itself. 

3d. You can never tell of what the liquor is made. 

It has been proved that the alcoholic compounds are not 
very often what they are represented to be. 

Dr. Messner said: "The lager beer sold in New York is 
not by any means a healthy drink." 

A malster confessed that if his customers knew what he 
really does they would all leave him. 

Another asserted that there is hardly an exception to 
some form of cheat. Take for example whisky and brandy, 
which are so much used for medicinal purposes. 

Some whisky was seized near Newton for examination, 
and in some way the recipe was obtained, which was as 
follows: 

10 gallons of kerosene: 
3 pounds of potash: 
1 oz. of strychnine. 

Mix with soft water. If you want gin. add quan- 
tum sii/ffcit of oil of juniper. 

"The State Chemist of Ohio, in the course of two years, 
made about six hundred inspections, and found ninety per 
cent, spurious. 

"Two samples bought for the best, for medical purposes, 
were examined by him in the court room at Cincinnati, 
and the polished blade of a knife was placed in it for fif- 
teen minutes, when it changed the blade to the color of 
copper, and the liquor became black like ink. Nitric acid, 
sulphuric acid, prussic acid. Guiana pepper and fusel oil 
were among its ingredients. " 

That nearly all the alcoholic liquors are fraudulent con- 
coctions there is no doubt. 

United States Consul George Gifford at Bordeaux, wrote 
from La Rochelle in 1882: "All French brandy might, 
and perhaps ought to be, excluded from the United States 
on sanitary grounds. * * They are only counterfeit 
chemical compounds." It is a noted fact that much more 
"wine" is shipped from France than is grown there. So. 
much of their ,k wines" are fictitious compounds. It is so 
the world over. We cannot trust the manufacturers of 



AL.ETRT6. 105 

these liquors, to risk the lives of the sick and dying by 
giving them as curative agents: say nothing about the 
deadly poison alcohol, there is enough noxious material in 
them to condemn them forever, in sickness or in health. 

In conclusion we will say that we have written this arti- 
cle with the view to bring out some more truth on this 
vital question, and not for any credit on our own part. 
To make our points as strong as possible, we have made 
many references to the experiences of noted men of science 
on this subject, so that we may convince our readers that 
we do not stand alone in condemning the alcoholic liquors, 
but that many of the world's greatest scholars concur with 
us in such condemnation. 

With this we close our arguments, hoping that many 
may hereby learn the true use. disuse and place of alcohol. 

ALETRIS FARINOSA. 
Star- Grass, Unicorn Root. 

The root of this plant is a gently stimulating and toning 
agent, chiefly influencing the female generative organs 
It is gently laxative to the bowels. In dysmenorrhea it 
stimulates and tones the uterus to normal action and thus 
frees the parts from pain. In menorrhagia it stimulates 
to the relief of the excessive flow. It is an excellent, per- 
haps the best, preventive of miscarriage, and may be given 
during any portion of the pregnant period or during the 
whole period of pregnancy; and is an excellent preparatory 
parturient. Many a case of impotency and barrenness has 
been relieved by its use continued for some weeks or 
months. Given during pregnancy in small doses two or 
three times a day gives relief to much of the dyspepsia of 
this period, and with mitchella is a superb female tonic. 
In amenorrhoea it stimulates to normal action. If anae- 
mia be present proper medication must be added. It is 
not best to use this agent with married ladies who are 
given to too frequent pregnancies. In such cases mitchella 
repens is to be preferred. 
F. E. Aletris Far. 

" Viburnum Op. 

•• Cauiophyllum Th. ; 

" Mitchella Rep. 
Syr. Simplex q. 



tia. dr. 


is.« 


dr. 


iii 


s. oz. 


iv 



106 ALLIUM. 

F. E. Aletris Far. 
" Viburnum Op. 
" Caulophyllum Thai. 
'' Serenoa Serrulata aa. dr. iss 
" Mitchella Rep dr. iii 

Syr. Simplex q, s. oz. iv 

Either of these formulae makes a good female tonic. 
F. E. Aletris Far. 
" Viburnum Op. 
" Scutelaria Lat. 
" Dioscorea Vil. aa. dr. ii 
Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good nervine tonic in depressed and irritated 
conditions. 

F. E. Aletris Far. 

" Phytolacca Rad. aa. 1 
" Arctium Sem. 2 

This is a preparation used by Dr. J. E. Roop for ovarian 
irritation, 

ALISMA PLANTAGO. 
Plantain. (Plantago Major.) 

The fresh leaves bruised and applied to the surface are 
moderately stimulating as a poultice to bruises, sprains 
and swellings. When dry a hot infusion is diaphoretic 
and is soothing to the nerves. Cold preparations increase 
the flow of urine and allay irritation of the urethra. To 
the alvine mucous membrane it is stimulating, toning and 
demulcent. 

ALLIUM SATIVUM. 
Garlic ■ 

The bulbs are a diffusive stimulant to the mucous mem- 
brane throughout, and their influence will be most felt 
where most needed. In case of coughs and colds their in- 
fluence will be felt most upon the lungs and bronchi, for 
which they may be given internally and applied as a fo- 
mentation or poultice. They are stimulating to the alvine 
mucous membrane throughout, and are sometimes used to 
expel the stomach worm. 

The warm juice, may be dropped into the ear in case of 
otalgia and in dryness of the wax. 

The ordinary onion {Allium Cepa) is of less strength but 
may be used in the same manner and for the same purposes 



ALOE. 107 

as the garlic buib. The onion poultice applied over the 
chest of children in case of cold, bronchitis or pneumonia 
is of much benefit. 

They also soothe the kidneys and increase the flow of 
urine. 

Expressed juice of Allium Sat. 1 part 
or of Allium Cepa 3 parts 

Acetum li parts 

Granulated Sugar enough to make into a good syrup 
is an excellent cough syrup for children's coughs. 

Allium Vineale or wild garlic seed tincture, says Dr. F. 
(t. Hoener, mixed with a little sweet oil and injected 5 or 
10 drops into the ear passage will give instant relief in 
some cases of otalgia. 

ALXUS SERRULAT A. 

Tag or Small Alder. 

The bark is a mildly stimulating and gently astringing 
tonic alterative, influencing mainly the cutaneous and 
renal secretions, glands and lymphatics; and is therefore 
valuable in scrofula, glandular swellings, skin diseases and 
mercurial cachexia. It is also valuable in chronic diar- 
rhoea, sore mouth, sore throat, especially when arising 
from some impurity in the blood. In the treatment of 
dyspepsia it influences the flow of gastric juice and invigo- 
rates the appetite. Its action is excellent on the mucous 
membrane in catarrh of the stomach or bowels. Acting 
as it does on the circulation it Is valuable in rheumatism, 
and in the treatment of syphilis and in chronic and acute 
inflammation of the stomach and bowels and in cases of 
hemorrhages. It is a gentle stimulant of the kidneys and 
absorbents. 

ALOE SPIC ATA AND SOCATRINA. 

•Aloes. South Africa. 

The lefties furnish a juice which when expressed and 
evaporated gives the aloes of commerce. 

It is stimulating to the alvine mucous membrane, is 
somewhat hepatic and considerably cathartic. It is not 
suited to irritated or inflamea conditions of the mucous 
membrane, and may under other circumstances create 
more or less irritation of that membrane. Sympathet- 
ically it is stimulating to the vagina and uterus and may 



108 ALTHiEA. 

promote menstruation. It is usually best to combine it 
with less irritating agents. 

It eradicates pin- worms when given in doses of 1 grain 
every three hours, for three ci four doses only. 

Aloes is very bitter and is usually best given in pill 
form. 

F. E. Aloes dr. ii 

" Taraxacum dr. vi 
Syr. Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 
This is a good hepatic and cathartic preparation. 
Aloes 
Myrrh 
Glycyrrhiza 
in equal parts is another preparation somewhat more ca- 
thartic. 

ALTHAEA OFFICINALIS. 
Marshmallow . 

The root contains much mucilage which is quite sooth- 
ing to the mucous membrane and skin, and is valuable in 
the treatment of irritated conditions especially in pharyn- 
gitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, dysentery, diar- 
rhoea, typhoid fever, diphtheria, gonorrhoea, cystitis, 
urethritis and nephritis. Its influence to soothe will be 
used by the vital force wherever needed, or where its influ- 
ence may be determined by other medication. 

With lobelia it forms a good wash and poultice in oph- 
thalmia. 

Althaea Off. oz. i 

Rubus Strigosus dr. iv 

Boil in li pints soft water down to 1 pint, and strain. 
Bathe the eyes 4 to 6 times a day for inflamed sore eyes. 

With raw linseed oil it forms a good covering for burns, 
scalds, and denuded surfaces. The mucilage is best pre- 
pared by boiling the root a short time. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says it enriches watery milk of moth- 
ers nursing and makes it come more freely. 

ALTH^A ROSEA. 
Hollyhock. 

The roots ami flowers are demulcent and are frequently 
substituted for the althaea officinalis. They are soothing; 
to the mucous membrane and may be used for the same 
general purposes. It does not yield so much mucilage as 



AliTJMBN. 101» 

the officinalis, but its influence on the kidneys and urinary 
tract is more marked. 
Aqueous Hydrastis 

" Hamamelis 
Mucilage Althaea Off. or Rosea q. s. 
This is a good preparation for gonorrhoea. The Hydras- 
tis should be used in excess in the primary stage and the 
hamamelis should be in excess subsequently. 

With aralia rac. and prunus it forms a good cough syrup 
tor irritable coughs and colds. 

With celastrus scandens it gives favorable impressions 
in diabetes. 

A LUMEN. 
Alum. A103, 3S03+KO, S0 3 +24HO. 

The Sulphate of Aluimina and Potassa. Volcanic and 
rock alum are found in some parts of Italy nearly pure. 
It is purified by solution and chrystalization. It is a rather 
powerful astringent, but is somewhat irritating and stim- 
ulating. Many persons use it in croup but it is not the 
best agent that could be used. - 

Locally as a wash it quickly allays the irritation due to 
rhus fox. poisoning, especially if applied soon after con- 
tact. Keep the parts moist with a strong solution, ft 
also gives good results when applied to sore nipples: apply 
a strong solution and wash off before the child nurses. 

Burnt alum or alum deprived of its water by heat Is 
mildly escharotic. 



Mutton Tallow 


oz. xiv 


Cera Flava 


oz. ii 


Resina 


dr. i 


Pix Liquida 


oz. ii 


Carbolic Acid Crystals 


oz. ss 


Alumen 




Glycerine 


aa. oz. viii 



Dissolve the alumen in the glycerine and add to the 
former ingredients in a heated state and stir till cold. 
This forms an excellent ointment for application to piles, 
either externally or by capsule internally. If more relax- 
ation is needed add to the capsule some pul. lobelia seed. 
This ointment may also be used upon eczemas, tetter, and 
with a small portion of sulphur added is useful in scabies. 

Alumen Exsiccatum Yel Ustum 

Acidum Tannicum 



110 AMPELOPSIS. 

in equal parts; apply twice a day to venereal warts. 

Talcum 5 

A lumen 1 
Use this for foot sweat. 

Alum en 

Chloride Sodii aa, one teaspoonful 

Aqua Fervens oz. xvi 
Use this as an injection for pin worms. 

AMARANTHUS HYPOCHONDRIASIS. 
Prince's Feather. 

The leaves are a stimulating - astringent to the mucous 
membrane but especially influencing the generative or- 
gans. It readily checks uterine hemorrhages, and gives 
favorable results in diarrhoea, dysentery and leucorrhoea. 

AMBROSIA ARTEMISI^FFOLIA. 
Bag-weed. 

This herb is a mild, stimulating, astringent tonic. A 
hot infusion relieves the circulation, giving a good out- 
ward flow of blood, and gives very favorable results in 
dysentery, diarrhoea and in feverish conditions where the 
bowels are too free, A strong infusion makes an excellent 
wash in case of relaxed vagina, prolapsus uteri and leucor- 
rhoea. It is the equal if not the superior of hamamelis 
virg. In case of weakened digestion with laxity of the 
bowels ambrosia is a good tonic to the mucous membrane 
throughout. Zingiber renders it of more importance to 
the circulation, and taraxacum or euonymous renders it 
of more importance to the hepatic apparatus and alvine 
canal in chronic dysentery and diarrhoea. 

It is claimed that during the season of the wafting on 
the breezes of the pollen of ambrosia that hay fever is 
more perplexing. 

The fresh juice of the ambrosia gives good results in 
cases of rhus poisoning. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the ambrosia as a good 
tonic, and for the removal of the after effects of quinine. 

AMPELOPSIS QUINQUEFOLIA. 

American Ivy. ( Vltis Quinquefolia. ) 

The bark of the root and vine and the twigs are mildly 

stimulating and toning, influencing mainly the mucous 

membrane and lymphatic structures, imparting tone and 






AMPHIACfiYRlS. Ill 

vigor and increasing the absorbing function of the vessels 
and hence is very valuable in scrofula, in enlargement of 
the spleen and lymphoid bodies. It greatly assists in both 
gastric and intestinal nutrition. It is valuable in enlarged 
mammae or testes, and gives strength and tone to the gen- 
erative organs. 
Ampelopsin 
Apocynin aa. grs. ii to iv 

This is very useful in case of congestive chill and en- 
larged spleen. Repeat as occasion demands, or give the 
apocynin alone. 

Inasmuch as it influences the mucous membrane it tones 
the bronchi and is a good addition to cough syrups where 
there is too free expectoration and especially for scrofulous 
cases. 

AMPHIACHYRIS DRACtJtfCULOIDES. 

Broom-weed. 

By J. M. Massie, M. IX. of Dallas, Texas, by whom it 
was introduced to the profession. 

The following is the botanical description furnished by 
Miss Ora Crawford, Dallas, Texas: 

Family— composite; genus— amphiachyris; species— dra- 
cunculoides. 

Plant from one to three feet high, pheogamous, exogen- 
ous, herbaceous; small yellow flowers, blooms in Autumn, 
grows in the waxy, heavy soil of Texas; root, primary tap. 
many rootlets, annual fibrous; stem, erect; herbaceous, 
smooth, naked 6 to 8 inches, then bears many branches. 
leaves, simple and bract like, sessile, linear, with strong 
mid rib; flowers, intermediate inflorescent in panicled 
raceme clusters, composite, irregular and unsymmetrical; 
involucre of two rows of needle shaped scales 7 to 11 in 
number, ray flowers number 7 to 10, are pistillate style^ 
twocteft, gamopetalous 3 petals included; imperfect calyx 
polysepalous, modified into a pappus of hairy bristles; head 
of velvety flowers '7 to 18, corrolla gamopetalous, 5 petals. 
•5 stamens; anthers syngenesious; pistil with style bearing 
one stigma, perfect involucre downy.— [Physio- Medical 
^Journal*] 

The leaves, flowers and tender branches are used in 
medicine. They contain a somewhat volatile oil, and a 
resinous gum as well as extractive medicinal matters. It 
is difficult to grind on account of its gummy nature; and 



112 AMPHYACHYRIS. 

an alcoholic strength of 50 per cent, is required to extract 
all its properties. 

It is a pleasant and decided diffusive stimulant to the 
intestinal, bronchial and circulatory nerves. It promptly 
soothes ail irritated mucous membranes, is carminative 
and stimulating to peristalsis which may lead to evacua- 
tions It is instantaneous in relaxed intestinal catarrh, 
and is a specific in cramp colic in doses of 15 gtta. to dr. i 
of the fluid extract from two to four hours A pleasant 
warmth follows its administration; more pronounced than 
that of the mint family. 

Its local effect is well observed in nasal catarrh, where 
ft stimulates the mucous membrane, relieves it of viscid 
secretions, leaves the surface clean aud permanently to' es 
the relaxed palatal muscles. A most valuable property is 
its influence upon the mucous membrane of the bronelii 
when taken per orem, for irritable coughs depending upon 
a relaxed state, where a prompt stimulating and soothing 
expectorant is desired. The amphyachyris promptly 
cleanses and tones the bronchial membrane. It is also a 
valuable locsl application to the vaginal membrane where 
it cleanses and tones and is one of our best agents for the 
treatment of a degenerate leucorrhoea. 

It influences the entire mucous membrane and may be 
made to give its especial influence to some part of the mu- 
cous membraue by being combined with other remedies 
having special local influences. 

This agent may be relied upon for its specific action 
described. It is excellent in bronchitis, bronchial asthma, 
broncho-pneumonia, and catarrh of all the mucous mem- 
branes. This is a new agent that fills a place in our mate- 
ria medica unoccupied by any other agent. It is a sanative 
agent perfectly harmless, and may be administered to pa- 
tients in all stages of vitality with perfect safety. 

Dr. F. O. Broady gives the following recipe for a Neutral- 
izing Cordial which he says is superior to all others: 

I. Amphyachyris Dra. oz. viii to iv 
Reum Pal. oz. viii 
Xanthoxyium Frax. Cort. oz. iv 

Pulverize the Rheum and grind the others for percola- 
tion. 

II. Prunus Virg. Cort. 
Chelone Glabra aa. oz. viii 
Hydrastis Can. oz. iv 



ANAESTHETICS. 113 

Grind for percolation. 

Percolate I. with 50 per cent, alcohol q. s. ft. fl. ext. 
Percolate II. with glycerine oz. viii, water oz. xxi, T till 
two and one-half fluid lbs. have passed. Add sod. bicarb, 
oz. iii to percolate II., and saturate the latter, cold, with 
granulated sugar. Add percolate I.; add syr. simplex to 
make one gallon if necessary; finally add ess. mentha pip. 
dr. iv. 

Normal Tincture Amphiachyris Drac. ( Broom Weed ) 
standardized to represent 16 ounces per pint, as made by C. 
T. Bedford, is a good representative preparation of the a- 
gent, and contains all its valuable properties, and is in 
most cases the best and most convenient method of using 
it. Can be used i 1 ground and powdered form if preferred. 
This valuable agent was discovered and introduced by 
Dr. J. M. Massie, of Dallas, Texas. 

After a years' experience with itin bronchial, pneumonic 
and catarrhal troubles, and in la grippe, it has been 
found to fully justify the praise and recommendations be- 
stowed upon it by Dr. Massie. (See P. M. Journal and San- 
ative Medicine, December, 1894). 

Dr. P. Holt says the following formula is splendid for 
catarrh, the only objection to it being that it will stain 
the handkerchief, but not permanently: 

F. E. Amphiachyris Dra. oz. vi 

Tr. Myrrh et. 
" Mentha Piperita aa oz. iv 

Soda Bicarb, et. 
" Biboraset. 
Glycerine aa oz. vii 

Aqua qs gal. i 

Mix as follows: — use a large open vessel - a shallow pan. 
Dissolve the sodas in the water, then add the other agents 
which have been previously mixed. Filter through a close- 
ly woven cloth. When used as a douche or spray add an 
equal portion of water. 

Dr. P. Holt also recommends the following vaginal pow- 
der. 

Powd. Amphiachyris Dra. et. 
" AJumenCom. aa oz. viii 

" Boracic Acid oz. xvi 

" Tannic Acid oz. iv 

Mix. Sig. one teaspoonful to a pint of boiling water; steep 
30 minutes, strain and inject to the vagina once or twice a 



114 AMYGDALUS. 

day as indicated. This is valuable in all cases of leucor- 
rhoea, erosions and ulcerations of the os uteri. He says, we 
would not be without this preparation. The fact is, the 
longer we use amphiachyris, the better we like it and the 
more we use of it, we average a pound a day. 

The permanganate of potash and amphiachyris make a 
good wash for old sores. 

A combination of amphiachyris, sassafras and eucalyptus 
has been recommended for asthma. 

AMYGDALUS COMMUNIS DULCIS. 
Sweet Almonds- 

They are a nutrient aromatic demulcent. They may be 
eaten or emulsed and used to cover other remedies. They 
are somewhat diuretic, but chiefly lubricate and nourish 
the bowels in cases of debility. They yield an abundance 
of oil which may be used for the same general purposes. 

AMYGDALUS COMMUNIS AMARA. 
The bitter almond is more tonic that the sweet. 

AMYGDALUS PERSICA. 
Peach. 

This is an excellent fruit of tine flavor and taste and is 
quite nourishing in its ripe state and is somewhat laxative 
to the bowels. But the canned peach is a dangerous arti- 
cle of diet to the sick. The dried peach is far better. Soak 
it for twelve hours and then cook. This is best when the 
peach is out of season. 

The kernels or peach pets are a mildly stimulating tonic 
to the stomach; and if a diffusive be added its influence 
will be felt more generally throughout the alvine canal. 
If these be given in infusion care must be taken that fresh 
infusion be made every ten or twelve hours, and taken 
cold. This must be done in order to prevent the formation 
of hydrochloric acid. 

This same precaution should be observed in the use of 
the leaves, which are moderately stimulating, and demul- 
cent to the mucous membrane throughout the alvine canal, 
the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra, and may be used 
to good advantage in the treatment of catarrh of the alvine 
and urinary tracts, for the relief of irritated conditions, 
and for the cleansing from accumulated mucous. 

A hot infusion will influence the circulation toward the 



ANVESTHETU S. 115 

surface and produce diaphoresis, except for which cause 
cold preparations are best. A diffusive renders them more 
active. The bark of the tree is also useful and is a strong- 
er tonic than the leaves. It is excellent in catarrhal indi- 
gestion. The fresh bark and leaves are much to be pre- 
ferred, but if carefully dried they will still be of some 
importance. The green leaves are excellent applied as a 
hot fomentation in cholera infantum. Inflammation of 
stomach, bowels or bladder. 

ANACYCLUS PYRETHRUM. 

Pellitory< 

The foot is quite stimulating to the mucous membrane 
and circulation. It creates a tingling sensation in the 
throat and excites a good free flo v of saliva. It is valu- 
able in chronic rheumatism and facial neuralgia. For 
semi-paralysis of the tongue and a relaxed palate, uvula 
or pharynx it may be used as a gargle very frequently. 

ANAESTHETICS AND ANAESTHESIA. 
By Prof. E. Anthony. M. I). 

Professor of Surgical Pathology Applied, in the Physio-Medical College 
of Indiana, Indianapolis 

To relieve suffering and prolong life is one of the first 
duties of man to his fellow man The office of the physi- 
cian and surgeon is among the most important in a phil- 
anthropic sense in whi'ui man can engage. As far back in 
antiquity as the scientific investigations have penetrated 
the chaos of thought, agents were discovered that would 
relieve pain and suffering, regardless of the causes that 
give rise to disease. The ancients were comparatively ig- 
norant of anatomy, physiology and pathology; consequent- 
ly could not explain the effects of their remedies, or give a 
solution of their mysterious action in relieving pain. Yet 
they were hailed with delight and accepted as gift's from 
the gods, and even at the present time, opium is consider- 
ed as the greatest boon that a beneficent Creator ever be- 
stowed on man. 

As the light of science has beat back the powers o! dark- 
ness, and the human body has been searched as by a light- 
ed candle, the deep recesses of this wonderful structure have 
been made to stand forth as in the brightest light; while 
the keen eye of perception and the intuitive powers of the 



116 ANESTHETICS. 

mind of man has wrought out the philosophy of life, and 
is now able to explain the mode of operation by which the 
various functions of the body are performed. A deviation 
from this regular line of motion constitutes disease, and is 
considered pathological in contradistinction to the normal 
actions which are called physiological. Remedies have 
been discovered which will correct these deviations from 
the standard of health, and are not destructive in their 
tendencies, this being so, any one of these medicines that 
brings back the tissues to their natural state and allows 
the functions to go on regularly relieves all pain and suffer- 
ing, this is the highest point of attainment in the heal- 
ing art at the present time. 

This kind of application of remedies which restores 
health without impairing the integrity of the tissues 
or weakening the vital functions should and will releg- 
ate to oblivion all remedies that bring relief by destroying 
or paralyzing structures and sensibilities of the human 
frame: but this requires years of study, first of the bodily 
mysteries as they are revealed in the study of anatomy, 
physiology, therapeutics and materia-medica. Great as 
this task may be, it should be accomplished before the 
the physician should be allowed to take the responsibility 
of caring for the lives and health of men, and the physician 
who is thus not qualified to treat disease, and still resorts 
to destructive agencies and narcotics, should be discarded 
as a man unworthy the high calling in which he is engaged- 
The fact that he cannot do better than to administerthem 
should be taken as a confession of his ignorance, 

The century that is just closing has been marked by the 
greatest development of medical knowledge that has char- 
acterized any age, in all departments of the healing art. 
but especially in general medicine. The perfection that 
has been born of accumulated experience of all the ages 
past, laid the foundation for a system of -therapeutics, 
and the acquisition of a materia medica. that will enable 
any physician who will apply himself to the acquirement 
of such knowledge, to treat his patients and relieve them 
of their pain and suffering without the use of poisons. 
These latter, instead of prolonging life, leave dangerous 
effects on the constitution and tend to multiply suffering- 
in after years and shorten life rather than lengthen it. 

In the past centuries when little was known of the 
structure and uses of the different organs of the body, any 



AN^STHETK 8. 117 

agents which relieve pain and suffering were hailed with 

unbounded enthusiasm: but experience in the use of them 
has shown that while they bring relief, they also are pro- 
ductive of very deleterious results not only to life, but to 
health in after years. This coupled with the fact that 
disease can be more successfully treated without, than 
with them, renders the physician inexcusable who goes on 
prescribing them because he is too ignorant to be able to 
do without them, and too indolent to learn better meth- 
ods. 

Surgeons of the past centuries were not so successful in 
discovering agents that would relieve pain while they 
made operations. It was not till near the close of the first 
half of this century that anaesthetics were discovered and 
used. Until that time surgery was regarded as an oppro- 
brium of the healing art. Few men had the courage to 
withstand the cries of their patients, and witness the 
writhing with agony from the effects of the knife or cau- 
tery. So terrible wa> the suffering that an eminent sur- 
geon of those days was wont to remark that it was not a 
question of whether they could withstand the suffering: 
but whether they could live without the operation. Ope- 
rations were undertaken only as a dernier ressort. and then 
generally too late 

The discovery of agents that would render the patient 
unconscious while the severest and most prolonged opera- 
tions were being made gave to surgery an impetus that 
has never been witnessed in any other of the sciences or 
arts. The darkest recesses of the body have been pene- 
trated by the surgeon's knife. The brain, the spinal cord, 
the lungs and contents of the abdominal and pelvic cavi- 
ties, and even the heart, have experienced the surgeon's 
touch, and life that receded apace has been wooed, so to 
speak, back to its wonted habitation. And yet we must 
remember, as remarked Samuel D. Gross, one of America's 
greatest Surgeons, that "immunity from suffering is pur- 
chased at the expense of vitality.' 1 It is a fact recognized 
bv mcst prudent surgeons that the poisonous influences of 
anaesthetics upon the system produce depression and weak- 
en vitality, and that many patients succumb to this cause 
and die. that would live if a painless operation could be 
made under the influence of agents that left no deleteri- 
ous results after them. Physio-Medicalists use anaesthet- 
ics in surgical operations because they know nothing 



118 ANAESTHETICS. 

better to lessen the mental and physical impressions that 
necessarily attend all surgical procedures, and because it 
has been abundantly proven that the deleterious effects of 
the anaesthetic is far less than the shock of the operation 
would be without it; also that under its influence opera- 
tions can be made that no man would have the hardihood 
to undertake, and from which no living being could sur- 
vive. Nevertheless we approach this crisis with fear and 
trembling because we know that lives are lost by its use. 
It is the duty of the surgeon to surround his patient with 
all influences that can possibly add to his safety, and to 
arm himself with all the knowledge and appliances that 
can be commanded to combat the accidents that mometa- 
rily may arise. Having done this, he can only acknowledge 
his ignorance of a better and safer method, and hope that 
the time may come when methods will be discovered that 
combine relief from suffering and avoid deleterious results. 
This result has been accomplished in medicine: so may we 
hppe for it in surgery. 

CHLOROFORM. 

•"Discovery.— This agent was discovered by Mr. Samuel 
Guthrie, of Sackett's Harbor. N. Y., in 1831, and about the 
same time by Soubeiran in France and Liebig in Ger- 
many. " From that time to the present it has been ad- 
ministered internally as a remedy in asthma, spasmodic 
cough, scarlatina, atonic quinsy with favorable results. 
has been used in hysteria, cancer, neuralgia and painful 
gastric disturbances. 

It was first employed by inhalation in 1832 in a case of 
pulmonary disease, and was said to give relief from the 
difficult respiration. In 1847 its action on the lower ani- 
mals was tested by inhalation by M. Flou reus and Dr. 
Simpson, of Edinburgh, in surgery, as a substitute for 
ether. 

Physical Properties. — "Chloroform is a heavy, clear, 
odorless liquid, having a pleasant ethereal odor, a burning 
sweet taste and neutral reaction: specific gravity 1.485 to 
1.490 at fifteen degrees C, fifty-eight F. It boils at 140 to 
142 F."--?7. S. Dispensatory. 

If the greatest care is not exercised, it is likely to con- 
tain foreign elements, introduced during its manufacture? 
of these, water, alcohol and ether are most common. If 
pure, it will not have a density of less than 1.38 When 
impure, it will float on the surface of a mixture of concen- 

\ 



t ANAESTHETICS. 119 

t rated sulphuric acid and water in equal parts, after it has 
cooled. Numerous tests are in use for impurities, but the 
most convenient is that of Mialhe. This consists in drop- 
ping a quantity of chloroform in distilled water. If pure, 
it will remain at the bottom of the glass, but if impure, it 
will either float on the top, or turn the water milky. 

The composition of chloroform is very unstable. It de- 
composes quickly in direct sunlight, or even diffused day- 
light. The presence of a very small quantity of water 
causes it to decompose, the resulting compounds being 
hydrochloric acid and phosgene gas. It is of the utmost 
importance for the safety of the patient that it should be 
pure and of a known strength. Squibb's chloroform and 
ether are now supposed to be the best; to be sure of this 
even, it should be obtained of the most reliable druggists, 
on whose knowledge and integrity implicit reliance can be 
placed. 

The local action of chloroform is that of an irritant. 
When applied to the skin and evaporation is prevented, 
vesication is produced. On the mucous membranes it 
exerts about the same effect as excessive heat, or acro- 
narcotic poisons. In a case of poisoning from an overdose 
reported by the U. S- Dispensatory, "Death took place in 
about thirty-four hours. The lining membrane of the lar- 
ynx and trachea was found inflamed, the bronchi were 
loaded with a dirty-gray purulent fluid, the lungs were in- 
flamed as in the first stages of pneumonia and the brain 
and its membranes congested.'* 

The smallest dose reported to have produced death was 
one teaspoonful, the subject a boy about eight years old. 
Larger doses may be taken and the person survive, but the 
irritant effect on the stomach leaves the organ weak for a 
long time, and in some instances they never recover. 
When an everdose is taken by accident or for suicidal pur- 
poses, they soon begin to feel its influences; if walking 
about, the first sensation is a dizziness, they stagger and 
fall semi-unconscious and soon fall into a state of coma, 
with stertorous breathing, dilated pupils, pulse imper- 
ceptible, cold skin, anaesthesia and sometimes convulsions. 
Occasionally there will be momentary flushing of the face 
and vomiting, but this does not retard the action of the 
poison. The temperature falls and respiration is slow and 
shallow. If called to a case of the above description, the 
breath will form a guide to the cause; if called after death 



120 ANAESTHETICS. , 

and a post mortem is made soon, the poison will be found 
in the stomach; if called very late, say several days after 
death, only the corrosive action will be left, and the ab- 
sence of any other poison, together with any other circum- 
stances that point to chloroform as the agent, may lead to 
tolerable certainty as to the cause of death. 

Treatment. — As with any other acro-narcotic poison, 
the first thing should be to evacuate the stomach with a 
stomach pump if possible; if not, then by such agents as 
ipecacuanha, given in thirty grain doses with an infusion 
of aristolochia serpentaria. Large draughts of water, 
with salt or mustard, will also be effective in the absence 
of ipecac. After free emesis has been produced, if the 
patient can be induced to drink freely of a solution of bi- 
carbonate of soda or magnesia, they should be directed to 
do so. If the patient is stupid or comatose, -'flicking" 
with the end of a towel dipped in cold water may answer a 
good purpose. But far the best is an enema of half an 
ounce tincture of myrrha compound in half pint of warm 
water. At Ler recovery has progressed so far as to estab- 
lish the circulation and sensibilities, a cup of strong coffee 
is said to be good. The gastric disturbances that follow 
in such cases should be met with mild alkalies to keep the 
contents of the stomach as nearly neutral as possible, ex- 
cept during the period of digestion. Persistence in the 
above line of treatment will in time restore a natural state 
in most cases, but in bad cases and those who are debili- 
tated from other diseases, perfect health will never be 
restored. 

Chronic chloroform poisoning affords one instance of the 
many that attest to the incont Tollable infiue v ce of narco- 
mania. Its victims are mostly medical practitioners. 
The habit is solitary and usually periolical at first, but 
soon becomes constant. The most prominent symptoms 
are the gastric disturbances: the nervous symptoms are 
also prominent, especially during the intervals. Nervous 
depression soon manifests itself. Languor, tremors and 
loss of interest in everything, drowsiness and stupidity, a 
slow and weak circulation, coldness of the skin and great 
emaciation are usually present in the last stages, and 
death may take place at any moment from inefficiency of 
heart action. Alternating sensations of heat and cold are 
present, but the general temperature is lowered and at all 
times below the normal standard. This is caused by the 



ANESTHETICS. 121 

contracting influence on the capillaries through the vaso- 
motor system. Through this state of the circulatory sys- 
tem, nausea, chills and pallor are present in nearly all 
cases. The habit is very seldom cured. Despite his own 
efforts and those of his friends, he continues his downward 
course until death relieves him of his suffering. There 
are no well-established pathological conditions except that 
there is a general failure of all the nutritive functions. 
Every tissue of the body, but especially the heart, is found 
in a soft and relaxed state, and reduced in size. No change 
of structure has been found to account for the symptoms 
that are seen in life, except that stated by Tillman, who 
says "Winogradow found granular degeneration of the 
ganglia of the heart, brain and spinal cord in both men 
and animals after death from chloroform." It was 
thought by Yon Lagenbech and Pirogoff that death may 
be caused by the presence of gas in the large venous trunks 
and in the right ventricle of the heart; but it has since 
been shown that this condition is not peculiar to persons 
who have died from chloroform, and in some cases at least 
is produced by decomposition after death. Not infre- 
quently the above changes in the tissues are present and 
may be assigned as the cause of death in those who have 
been addicted to its use for a long period of time. In sud- 
den death from chloroform, the blood is usually found 
dark-colored and uncoagulated, much as it is after death 
from the inhalation of carbonic acid gas, which no doubt 
is the cause of death in many cases; but microscopic exam- 
i nation shows no alteration i n the constituents. Chemical 
analysis, however, shows the blood overloaded with car- 
bonic acid and the products of waste from the tissues 
which could not be eliminated in consequence of the fail- 
ure of the respiratory process. 

ETHER. 

The ethers are a class of liquids discovered by chemists 
as early as the thirteenth century. The method of prepar- 
ing them was given by Valerius Cardus in 1540. They 
were known to Boyle and Newton, and were usually pre- 
pared by distilling alcohol with some acid. They receive 
various names according to the method of preparation: 
thus we have nitric ether, acetic ether, sulphuric ether, 
etc. 

Ether puris, or commercial ether, as it is commonly 
called, is sufficiently pure for all pharmaceutical and reme- 



122 ANAESTHETICS. 

dial purposes; but for surgical purposes, the stronger sul- 
phuric ether, or ether fortior, prepared by Dr. Squibb, is 
perhaps the best that can be obtained at the present. 

Physical Properties. — "A thin diffusive and colorless 
liquid, possessing an aromatic odor, a burning and sweet- 
ish taste, leaving a slightly bitter sensation in the mouth. 
It is soluble in all proportions of alcohol, and the fixed 
volatile oils; also in benzoin, benzol and chloroform. It 
maybe dissolved in eight times its volume of water at 
fifteen degrees C. (59 F.) Ether is very inflammable: when 
its vapor is mixed with air and brought in contact with 
flame, it explodes with great violence. To preserve its 
purity, it should by kept in well-stoppered jpottles, or in 
soldered tin cans, and kept in a cool place out of the light 
and away from fire or flame. It is extremely volatile and 
evaporates rapidly when exposed to the air with the reduc- 
tion of the temperature. The simplest test of its purity 
consists in dropping a small portion on paper, and when it 
has evaporated it should leave no odor." 
' Ether, as a medicine, is chiefly used for its anaesthetic 
properties, and may be used locally, or taken into the sys- 
tem by the stcmach When used locally, its evaporation 
should be prevented. When taken into the stomach, its 
first manifestation is that of a stimulant, which soon gives 
way to narcosis. It is used as a stimulant in cases of sud- 
den nervous depression, fainting from mental shock, hys- 
teria and all suspension of animation, in neuralgia and 
painful gastric disturbances; also in the nausea of flatulent 
and biliary colic. 

When ether is taken into the general system, it causes 
an increase in the force and frequency of the heart and . 
vaso-motor system: the pulse will be full and strong, the 
capillaries in the skin will be filled with blood, which gives 
a florid appearance resembling that of health. Given in 
larger doses, the skin will assume a dark livid color, show- 
ing that the respiratory center is being influenced by it; 
there will be anaesthesia, but not always loss of conscious- 
ness. This state will continue until death takes place, in 
some cases; while in others there will be paralysis of the 
vaso-motor system and collapse of the capillaries. In such 
cases the skin will become blanched, and cold perspiration 
stand upon the surface; but the heart will continue to act 
and the radial pulse can be felt beating several moments 



ANESTHETICS. 123 

after respiration has ceased and life is extinct in all other 
j tarts of the body. 

The dose of ether taken internally is from fifty drops to 
one teaspoonful, to be repeated frequently when its full 
effects are desired. It may be dropped on the surface of 
cold water, or rubbed up with spermaceti, in the propor- 
tion of two grains for each fluid drachm of the ether. It 
can also be given in capsules, usually known as pearls of 
ether. Given in this way. the mouth and throat are not 
irritated, but the full irritating influence is soon felt on 
the stomach. It is said they can also be introduced into 
the bowel and vagina, but for what purpose is not stated. 
Gelatinized ether may be prepared by placing ether fortior 
and white of an egg in a bottle, stoppering the bottle 
tightly and shaking rapidly. Four parts of the egg and 
one of the ether are the usual- proportions used. This may 
be spread on linen and applied locally for the relief of pain. 
To prevent rapid evaporat ion, the parts should be covered 
with oiled silk. The French Codex gives directions for 
making a syrup of ether. They take 440 parts of sugar, 
490 parts of distilled water, ,50 parts of alcohol 90 per cent.. 
pure ether 20 parts. If the above ingredients are repre- 
sented by grains in the same proportion, the whole of this 
might be taken at one dose. This is a very convenient 
method of administering ether for tape worm. This agent 
also enters into several anthelmintic compounds for the 
same purpose. 

The symptoms and treatment of r he acute ether poison- 
ing are about the same as those of chloroform poisoning. 
Chronic ether and chloroform poisoning, or narco-mania, 
is an abnormal and in many cases an irresistible desire for 
the influence of some narcotic, This appetite may be ac- 
quired by the constant use of some narcotic prescribed, 
possibly, as a medicine, until the will power is broken 
down by the overwhelming desire, or rather longing for 
its effect to quiet a feeling of unrest, that is many times 
worse than death itself: in fact, the monomaniacs will risk 
their lives and take the potion, well knowing that the 
sleep may be the last on earth. It may be hereditary, or 
may be acquired by the constant use of ether taken by 
persons desirous of concealing the fact that they are ad- 
dicted to the drink habit. 

Norman Kerr in the Twentieth Century Practice of 
Medicine tells of an epidemic of etherism that swept over 



124 ANAESTHETICS. 

a large portion of Ireland and extended to London, some 
parts of Germany, France and even to New York, U. S. A. 
He says: "About 1838 a Catholic priest commenced a cru- 
sade against alcohol, and within three years had adminis- 
tered the teetotal pledge to millions of his countrymen.'* 
Following this tidal wave, equally as bad, if not worse, 
came the ether habit. 'A medical man gave a drachm of 
ether, which was not believed to be a violation of the 
pledge, to each one of a few of these abstainers. It was 
like applying a flame to highly coiubustible matter. In a 
short time it extended over an area of nearly 295 square 
miles with a population of more than 79,000 people. In 
one instance a village of 300 inhabitants had one shop to 
every 23 persons, for the sale of ether. The intoxicant 
was brought to the doors of the people by hawkers, was 
sold in sheebeens and groceries, being often exchanged in 
barter for eggs and other produce of the farmyard. This 
was suppressed by law, but the drink habit of Ireland is 
now, in proportion to the diminished population, nearly as 
great as ever. Fifty years of observation of these subjects 
confirms the above statement." I have known many per- 
sons to acquire the ether habit from taking the drug to 
disguise the use of spirituous liquors. I have also known 
others to acquire the habit from inhaling small quantities 
to relieve some transient neuralgia, or perhaps toothache. 
1 once knew a physician who when called to attend an ob- 
stetric case, and while waiting for the tardy labor pains to 
become severe enough to require his assistance, would lie 
down, saturate a handkerchief with ether or chloroform, 
place it ovsr his face and go to sleep till aroused by the 
attendants and informed that his services were needed at 
the bedside. Of all the other anaesthetic agents used to 
produce anaesthesia in surgery, none, so far as the writer 
knows, are used as remedies and given internally. 

A brief account of these agents, showing their use by 
those who are the advocates of such remedies, was thought 
to be proper in the present connection, but it can be seen 
from the foregoing account of them that Physio-Medical- 
ists have no use for them as remedial agents. It will also 
appear from their use and action when inhaled, that the 
internal administration of them is attended with far more 
deleterious results than when they are inhaled under 
proper care. 



ANESTHETICS 125 

ANAESTHETICS AS AN ADJUNCT TO MEDICINE 

The action of anaesthetics on the human body is peculiar 
when the vapor is inhaled. We have seen from the above 
that when applied direct to the tissues by actual contact, 
or by absorption from the stomach, it is an acro-narcotic 
producing actual destruction of tissue in a few minutes: 
but when applied to the mucous surfaces in the form of 
vapor, as by inhalation, its presence can be tolerated for 
hours, or even for days, without producing any serious re- 
sults. The same is true of its presence in the blood, and 
through this medium on the nervous system. The writer 
has witnessed its use in puerperal convulsions, where the 
patient remained unconscious several days, and ultimately 
recovered; and only recently a case occurred in Indianapolis 
where a patient- was under its influence thirty-six hours and 
that too under the most unfavorable circumstances. The 
case was one of typho-malarial fever on the twenty-first 
day of the attack. There had been a tendency to cardiac 
paralysis from the onset: for two weeks it was with the ut- 
most difficulty that the circulation could be kept up. The 
suffocation was so urgent that the room had to be kept 
open, and he was fanned constantly for two weeks. Dur- 
ing the third week the action of the heart improved, but 
he showed symptoms of disturbance of the brain. Delir- 
ium, sleeplessness and subsultus came on and gradually 
grew worse until on the twenty-first day. when at 3 o'clock 
P. M. he had the first convulsion, followed by another in 
thirty minutes. For twelve hours they increased in vio- 
lence until there was no complete intermission, and the 
remissions were only momentary. Physio-Medical reme- 
dies were used energetically by "Physio-Medicalism's 
Most Skillful Hand; but it seemed to avail nothing. 
Chloroform was given until the convulsive movement^ 
ceased and a quiet sleep came on; for a short time the 
spasm of the muscles ceased, but the sleep was broken by 
the convulsions, and again were checked by the chloro- 
form, and sleep was again obtained; thus sleep and convul- 
sions alternated for thirty-six hours. During this time 
the chloroform was not discontinued long enough to allow 
the system to be free from it, and when the last muscles 
ceased to contract and there was complete relaxation, life 
seemed almost extinct. He was watched with the most 
tender and skillful care for another twenty-four hours by 
the physicians, and the most careful and scientific medica- 






126 ANAESTHETICS. 

tion was directed: at length life seemed to return to him 
and he rapidly recovered, and is now convalescent, October 
20th, 1896. It will be natural for the reader to inquire 
what part the chloroform performed in the case, since 
other medicines were given with an unstinted hand. In 
answer to this anticipated question, will say that its ac- 
tion was net curative: it acted as an -adjunct, relieving 
violent convulsions and relaxing the spasms of the muscu- 
lar system, which were driving t';:e blood with such vio- 
lence into the brain, that no medication now known could 
counteract, and the congestion was momentarily increas- 
ing. It held the convulsive movements in abeyance and 
gave the medicines time and opportunity to remove the 
obstruction to a free circulation: and by so doing the cause 
was removed and the effect ceased. This use of chloro- 
form, as an adjunct to medicine, is the same as the lse of 
it by the surgeon to obviate the muscular contractions 
while he does his work. 

THE INHIBITORY ACTION OF ANAESTHETICS. 

It is an established fact chloroform exerts such an influ- 
ence on organic matter without producing any destructive 
changes. "If i\\\ aquatic plant be placed in a watery solu- 
tion of ether or chloroform, its absorption of carbonic 
anhydride and its exhalation of oxygen ceases. The plant 
does not die; it merely sleeps. The germination may also 
in a similar manner be arrested by surrounding it with an 
anesthetic atmosphere. Irritability of the protoplasm in 
the cells at the base of the pet ioles in the leaf of the sensi- 
tive plant is in like manner inhibited by anaesthetic vapors. 
A vigorous specimen of this specie- placed for half an hour 
under a bell glass, with a sponge saturated with ether, 
will no longer exhibit any irritability. Its healthy ap- 
pearance remains unchanged, but it no longer absorbs car- 
bonic anhydride, and its leaflets will not shrink when 
touched. Restoration of the plant to a pure atmosphere 
is soon followed by complete recovery of all its natural 
functions. The addition of ether to an infusion contain- 
ing yeast at once arrests the process of fermentation. On 
removal of the anesthetic by evaporation, or by filtration, 
the activity of the yeast fungus is renewed and fermenta- 
tion is again resumed." (See Anesthetics and Anaesthesia 
by Henry M. Lyman, International Surgery.) 

Anesthetics do not destroy living matter directly when 
taken by inhalation. Postmortem examinations have 



ANESTHETICS. 127 

thus far shown no changes in the tissues of the bodies 
where anaesthetics given by inhalation have caused death. 
That anaesthetics do sometimes produce death is not de- 
nied; but when it does occur, it is by the inhibitory effect 
on the nerves controlling circulation or respiration, and 
not by any direct destruction of tissue, like other narcotics 
with which they have erroneously been classed. 

The action of chloroform and ether seem to be much the 
same in producing temporary relaxation of muscular spasm 
and loss of sensibility; but very unlike so far as their effect 
upon the general circulation is concerned. The former 
lessens the quantity qf blood circulating in the brain, 
while the latter increases the quantity. This property 
renders chloroform applicable where there is hyperaemia 
of the encephalon and in all cases of plethoric habit with- 
out any weakness of the heart. Ether is more applicable 
where there is anaemia of the brain, or weakness of the 
heart. 

ANAESTHESIA IN OBSTETRICS. 

Ether, chloroform and many other agents have been used 
in obstetric practice; but one after another has been aban- 
doned, until at the present, chloroform is the only one used. 
It is claimed for it that it is more effective and certain in 
in its action and causes less irritation than ether. It also 
counteracts the determination of blood to the head, a con- 
dition which is present in greater or less degree in all cases 
of childbirth. The use of chloroform as an adjunct to la- 
bor is popular with the profession and people, and it seems 
at times to be productive of the most gratifying results. 
The Physio-Medical physician, however, has but a limited 
use for it. Labor is a physiological process, but is attend- 
ed with more or less pain even in the most natural state. 

It is a matter of common observation that the nearer a 
labor approaches the normal, the less there is of pain and 
suffering and the better will be the recovery after confine- 
ment. In nearly all cases, the cause of laceration of the 
cervix and perineum is to be found in conditions that ante- 
date labor, and should be removed before the labor comes 
on; or if the physician is not consulted previous to the con- 
finement, as soon as called, he should make a thorough ex- 
amination and at once institute measures for restoring the 
parts to a normal state, and continue treatment after con- 
finement until health is restored. These means, properly 



128 ANAESTHETICS. 

directed, will at the time of confinement usually place the 
patient in a normal state, and then the suffering will be 
at a minimum, the parts concerned will be in a favorable 
condition for recovery, by a recognition of those methods. 
If chloreform is administered without a recognition of 
these conditions, the patient is greatly benefitted in some 
cases; but a failure to recognize the abnormal conditions 
and remove them allows the patient to relapse into a bad 
state of health that may last for months or years. Added 
to this, the fact that it interferes with the natural process 
by producing relaxation of contracting muscles,- which are 
necessary for the expulsion of the child, under its influence 
labor is in at least half the cases retarded; there is no suf- 
ficient vital action to expel the child, when even a small 
part of the force is destroyed by the chloroform and conse- 
quently instrumental interference is rendered necessary. 
In the other class of cases, where the constution is vigor- 
ous, and the expulsive force is very great, the relaxation of 
a part of the muscles by chloroform seems, to facilitate the 
labor; but the same thing might be accomplished by other 
remedies just as well, and leave the patient in a more fa- 
vorable condition to recover. 

It is said that even small quantities given just as the 
pain begins will take off the sharp excruciating suffering, 
but this is only imaginary, is the time that the pain lasts 
is not sufficient to get any of the chloroform, at least, not 
enough to do any good; it is only a placebo. Its use is also 
recommended during the last expulsive pains. Anything 
short of insensibility at that moment will avail nothing; 
and to render a patient insensible at that time is to de- 
prive the case of one of the most important factors in the 
safe termination of labor, that is, the loss of the will power 
at the time when it is most needed. If the perineal struct- 
ures receive proper attention during the hours preceeding 
delivery, there will be no excessive pain at that moment 
and the risk of laceration will be greatly reduced. 

A proper study of the physiology, pathology and mechan- 
ism of labor will justify the conclusions: first, that chloro- 
form in obstetrics should be used only as in other surgical 
cases; second, that it may be used in some cases without in- 
jury, and with apparent benefit; third, that while this 
may be the case, it dose not justfy the general use of it in 
obstetrics by Physio-Medicalists, because they have other 
means far more efficient inasmuch as they operate in har- 



ANTFiEMIS. \'2\) 

mony with the physiological laws that govern the median 
ism of labor. 

ANEMONE PULSATILLA. • 
Pulsatilla, Pasqwe Flower. Europe. 

This species of the anemone has violet blossoms, having 
the outer surface hairy. This plant prefers a calcareous 
soil. 

The {terb is stimulating and relaxing, influencing the 
skin and mucous membrane. In large doses it may pro- 
duce nausea and vomiting. It is also quite cathartic and 
unless combined with zingiber or mentha it may produce 
considerable griping. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation and relieves 
the skin and nervous system. Cold preparations will occa- 
sionally prove diuretic. 

It is a valuable agent in the treatment of skin diseases, 
in some stages of syphilis, ophthalmia, and eczema. It is 
also recommended in whooping cough and bronchitis espe- 
cially when there is some impurity of blood present. 

ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS. 
Dill. 

The seed is a warming, diffusive, stimulating, aromatic 
and carminative principally used in compounds to relieve 
the unpleasant taste of medicines. 

ANGELICA ATROPURPUREA. 

Angelica Seed. American. 

The seed of the American angelica are more diaphoretic 
than the German, but are used for the same general pur- 
poses. ' They are valuable in acute febrile cases and zy- 
motic diseases, coughs and colds They are antiperiodic. 
and in hot infusion are valuable in dysmenorrhoea and 
especially with nervous females. 

ANTHEM IS COTULA. 
Mayweed. 

The flowers and stems of this plant are diffusive stimu- 
lants to the circulation, tending the blood toward the sur- 
face. In hot infusion it is decidedly diaphoretic and 
somewhat emmenagogue. 

A hot fomentation of the green herb is excellent for 
sprains and inflamed extremities; for pelvic and abdom- 



130 ANTHEMIS. 

inal peritonitis; for cystic, pelvic, abdominal or thoracic 
congestions and for local neuralgias. 

This herb is best adapted to torpid or congested condi- 
tions of the mucous membrane. 

ANTHEMIS NO HILTS. 
Chamomile, Roman. 

The flowers are more relaxing and less stimulating than 
the anthemis cotula. In hot infusion they induce diapho- 
resis and a good outward flow of blood. To the nervous 
system and the mucous membrane bhey are very soothing 
and have a decided influence upon the uterus, relieving 
congestion and promoting the menstrual flow. They are 
valuable in amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea when there is a 
scanty flow and nervous irritation. It is a good agent to 
be used for nervous and hysterical persons. Large and 
frequent doses may prove nauseating and result in emesis, 
but this will be no detriment in such cases, but rather an 
advantage. 

F. E. Anthemis Nob. 

Oaulophyllum Th. 
" Liriodendron Tul. 
Syr. Zingiberis q. s. 

Sig. Teaspoonfni four times daily as a tonic in dysmen- 
nrrhcea. 

A hot infusion is an excellent diaphoretic for the relief" 
of colds especially if zingiber be added, and will be found 
rery valuable in bilious fever. 

Cold preparations are quite tonic to f he stomach and 
uterus, giving tone and vigor to the stomach, increasing 
the appetite and improving digestion. It is best for this 
purpose combined with some diffusive stimulant or some 
mild hepatic. In convalescence from fevers chamomile is 
a tine tonic especially if combined with hydrastia sulphate. 
F. E. Anthemis Nob, dr. iv 
Liriodendron Tul. dr. iii 
k ' Scutelaria Lat. dr. i 
Hydrastia Sulp. gr. i 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This is an excellent tonic in nervous prostration and iu 
hysteria. 

F. E. Scutelaria Lat. dr. ii 
•■ Liriodendron Tul. dr. iv- 
Hdyrastia Sulph. gr. i 



dr. 


iii 


dr. 


ii 


dr. 


iv 


oz. 


iv 



APIUM. 131 

Ferri et Potassae Tart. grs. x . , 
jln fusion Anthem is Nob. oz. iv 

Mix. 
j When there is anv danger of hemorrhage or when the 
periodic flow is too free or too frequent this is not the best 
agent to be used. In sluggish cases some diffusive stimu- 
lant should be added. 

The inhaling of the acetous infusion of chamomile i& 
very beneficial in quinsy and colds in the head or nasal 
passages. A hot poultice of the same may be applied to 
the forehead or over the lungs, stomach or bowels for con- 
gestions in these legions. 

, With aralia rac. the influence of chamomile is valuable 
jji cough syrups where a soothing expectorant is needed. 

APIUM GRAVEOLENK. 
Velery. 

The seed is a moderately stimulating tonic nervine. It 
is useful in depression or ( prostration of the nervous sys- 
tem, wliether it be from general prostration, general de : 
bility or from overtaxing of the nerve centres by over 
brain work. It is best used with some toning hepatic as 
euonymous or taraxacum. 

With viburnum opulus it is good for pregnant females 
with a nervous temperament and a tendency to cramping. 
Aletris or helonias may be added if there is a tendency to 
miscarriage, , ; .. , 

The vegetable is a soothing nervine but is less stimulat- 
ing than the seed. In convalescence it is especially valu- 
able in the treatment of those of a nervous temperament. 

Apium Grav. et 

Kola Ac. et 

Cocoa in equal parts, or 

Apium Grav. et 

Kola Ac. et 

Cocoa et 

Viburnum Op. in equal parts are each good nervine 
tonics. 

McCoy, Howe Co., Indianapolis, Ind., prepare an elixir 
of celery and guarana in equal parts by direct percolation. 
Dr. N. D. Woodward recommends it as an agreeable and 
reliable nerve stimulant in nervous prostration and mi- 
graine. 



132 APOCYNUM. 

APOCYNUM ANDROSJEMIFOLIUM. 
Bitter Root. 

The intense bitter taste of this root is difficult to be 
gotten rid of. It requires but little to produce a lasting 
nausea. It influences the mucous membrane, is quite 
stimulating to the gall ducts, influencing especially the 
excretion of bile. It influences the alvine mucous mem- 
brane as well as the gall ducts and in large doses will pro- 
duce watery discharges. Its best influence is shown in 
torpid rather than in sensitive conditions. 

In jaundice 2 to 5 drops every 2 or 3 hours will work well 
especially if combined with capsicum. Where the jaun- 
dice is from occlusion, podophyllin is to be preferred. 
Apocynin 1 
Quinine 10 
given one to three hours is excellent for chronic cases of 
ague. 
In ague-cake give apocynin 1 to li grs. every 2 hours. 
In combination with triticum, juniper, or eupatorium 
purpureum, it is a good diuretic and is one of the most 
serviceable articles to be used in dropsy, F. E. 5 to 8 gtta. 
every 2 to 4 hours. 

Apocynum maybe combined with lobelia in dry forms 
of catarrh, and used as an infusion to cleanse the parts. 

It is valuable in syphilis, scrofula and eczema where the 

hepatic apparata are sluggish. 

With or without hydrastis it may be used as a vermifuge, 

Apocynin is a good resonoid preparation. In small 

doses it is a tonic to the stomach, promotes digestion and 

influences the appetite. 

The taste of apocynum may be moderately well covered 
when needed by comp. syr. rhei et potas. 
Tr. Capsicum et. 
F. E. Leptandra et. 

F. E. Apocynum, in equal parts applied over the liver 
is excellent in cases of congestion: or the powders may be 
used in the form of a liver pad, and occasionally moistened 
with tr. capsicum, or with the fld. exts. combined, and 
worn in cases of extreme torpor. 
Apocynin 

Leptandrin a a gr. } 

Podophyllin gr. i 

Ampelopsin 



AQUA. 133 

Oil Capsicum aa gr. 1-1<> 

This makes an excellent pill. 

APOCYNUM CANNABINUM. 

( 'a nadian Hemp . 

The roots are a stimulating alterant, quite cathartic 
and largely influencing the glandular system. 
Apocynum And. et 
Apocynum Can. in equal parts in 
Syr. Zingiberis is good tor dropsy. 
In large doses it produces emesis, which is followed by a 
free diaphoresis, especially if given in hot infusion. 

Cold preparations produce free diuresis. 

It hastens disintegration of the nitrogenous elements of 
the body and eliminates solids freely through the 
kidneys. It is of value in" atonic dyspepsia, in scrofula, 
rheumatism, phthisis, sluggish condition of the kidneys 
and a clogged conditions of the lacteal vessels. 

It is excellent for the destruction of the ascaris vermicul- 
aris. 

In hot infusion it is diaphoretic and expectorant and 
hence good in rheumatism and acute febrile disorders with 
clogged secernents. 

AQUA-WATER, H^ (). 
By Prof. E. G. Anthony, M. 1>. 

Professor of Didactic and Clinical Ophthalmology, Otology and Rhinology 
in the Physio-Medical College of Indiana, Indianapolis. 

A study of the physiological uses of water in the human 
organism, will show it to be one of the absolute necessities 
for life. For the purpose of slaking thirst, the lower animals 
use nothing else, and even man, in his primitive state de- 
sired no other drink. But, in our modern life, as a result 
of what might be termed moral retrogression, a large share 
of the populace indulge too freely in drinks, of which, 
water, of necessity, is the staple ingredient. Among drink- 
ers of beer and other alcoholic liquors, some bloated men 
will swallow many pounds of liquid daily. This greatly 
distends the vascular system, weakens the walls of the 
blood-vessels and keeps the tissues constantly distended 
with fluid. These weakening influences in connection 
with the still more deleterious effects of the alcohol on the 
assimilative and disassimilative processes, renders such in- 



134 AQUA. 

di victuals very prone to attacks of congestion of any of the 
vital organs upon the slightest provocation. 

A lack of water in ; the dry seasons leads to the genera- 
tion' and accumulation of impurities, of various kinds. Cook- 
ing-is interfered with, dirt and filth collect abo jt the home, 
streets are not washed and sewers not flushed. By virtue, 
of the decomposition of such offending material, noxious 
gasses and specific poisons are formed which contaminate 
the very air itself. Hence the state of health of the people 
inhabiting such an unfortunate district, is greatly lowered. 
And in most instances, if conditions are properly investi- 
gated, it will be> found that the direct cause of this lower- 
ed state of health of the community at lar£e, is the 'srnalT 
amount of rainfall and the bad quality of drinking Water: 
instead of the "'high temperature'' as is sometimes sup^ 
posed - 

DRINKING WATliR. 

The supply of drinking water may be obtained either 
from rain • 'which the clouds do drop and distill upon man 
abundantly," or from springs, wells, rivers and lakes. 

The quality of drinking water depends to a great extent 
upon the amount of oxygen it contains. And the amount 
of this element found in water is dependent upon the good 
quality of the air. After distillation water is almost free 
from air. It is tasteless and very unpalatable. When 
taken into the stomach an unpleasant sense of heaviness is 
experienced. These disagreeable properties will be found 
to have disappeared after aeration. This ma^'be accom- 
plished by shaking or spraying the distilled article in air. 
allowing it to absorb oxygen. '" ' 

In hot weather,, ice water is more frequently the cause 
of stomach and bowel troubles than the heat. This is due 
partly to the fact that in the process of freezing, the air is 
expelled, and thus the product is unwholesome. Some 
germs which are found in water survive after having been 
subjected to a freezing temperature and are a great source 
of danger. And it may even be suggested that the vessels 
in which water is frozen in the manufacture of artificial 
ice. are not always thoroughly cleansed and freed from 
impurities even though the water be previously distilled. 

' PHARMApOPOESE. , ,, 

, ,In the preparation of medicines, water is a valuable 
menstruum. It is principally used in preparing decoctions. 



AQUA. 135 

infusions and syrups. It is also used extensively as a dilu- 
ent and solvent in the manufacture of tinctures and fluid 
extracts. The vast majority of Physio-Medical remedies 
possess a combination of properties, some of which alcohol 
will extract while others can only be dissolved and held in 
solution by water, So to have a preparation that will'rep- 
resent all the properties of such drugs, these menstrua 
must be combined in various proportions. 

For all ordinary purposes in pharmacy, common drinking 
water will answer. But since such water generally con- 
tains a greater or less amount of organic matter and calci- 
um compounds, causing precipitates and holding in abey- 
ance the dissolvent properties, it is better in many instances 
to use aqua that has been subjected to a process of purifi- 
cation. 

Of the various processes distillation is undoubtedly the 
best. However, it has been suggested that in this plan, 
foul gasses and even bacteria maybe carried over in the 
attempt at vaporization and condensation, but this is 
exceedingly doubtful. It is always well to test distilled 
water by adding to three or four drachms a small amount 
of nitrate of silver. If it turns turbid or milky, it has 
become charged with impurities. 

Pure distilled water should always be used in preparing 
lotions for the eye. Especially should this be the case in 
solutions of nitrate of silver, cocaine, atropine, homatropine 
and various other drugs which are to be applied to the del- 
icate tissues of the organ of vision. It should always be 
kept tightly corked, for it is easily contaminated by mix- 
ing with impure air. 

Next to distillation comes boiling. It is said that this 
process kills most fungus spores, precipitates lime products. 
gets rid of iron in part and very markedly lessens the 
amount of organic matter. An absence of these elements 
increases the solvent power of the article. Hence it is 
better adapted for use in pharmacy. In surgical opera- 
tions and the dressing of wounds, by being boiled several 
times, water can be successfully sterilized and its use is 
quite safe. 

Filtration through sand and animal charcoal is another 
method quite satisfactory for removing organic and min- 
eral matter, especially if such material is not held in solu- 
tion. In case sand is used it should not be too fine, and 



136 AQUA. 

should be cleansed often, for the particles soon become en- 
crusted with the impurities. 

A good charcoal filter is one of the best means for the 
purification of water by the removal of both organic and 
mineral suspended matters. But the water must not be 
kept in contact with the charcoal any longer than is abso- 
lutely necessary for it to filter through. If allowed to 
remain in contact too long it will again take up the matter 
which has already been deposited. While this method 
makes water quite pure, yet it cannot be depended upon, 
for if allowed to stand any Jength of time, evidence of its 
containing low forms of organic life will begin to show. 

MINERAL WATERS. 

In filtering through the earth, water becomes loaded 
with the mineral salts and gases which are peculiar to 
the soil through which it passes. When impregnated with 
these salts and gases to such a degree as to be unfit for the 
ordinary uses in life, it is spoken of as mineral water. 

Aqua mineralis derived from springs may be hot or cold, 
and in making use of it, there is no doubt but that the 
temperature of the article has much to do with the good 
effect. The deeper the source of the water the higher its 
temperature. It has been estimated that for every sixty feet 
in depth, there is an increase in temperature of one degree 
F. So, if this be true, the springs of Arkansas and other 
localities well known, must derive their water from a great 
depth. 

Furthermore, mineral waters may be either natural or 
artificial. The former are preferable, and to get the best 
results the user must drink and bathe in them at their 
source, since imported waters, drank and used at home, 
will not have the same effect. The chemist can imitate 
some of the waters quite well. But in no instance can the 
same effect be obtained from artificial, as from natural 
mineral waters. 

Mineral water baths act very similarly to ordinary water 
baths, although much of the good results depends upon 
the temperature of the water. It is true also that the 
stimulating effect on the skin is enhanced by the mineral 
salts which are held in solution. 

When given internally, mineral water often acts as a 
diuretic, diaphoretic and sometimes purgative. Torpid 
livers are stimulated to increased activity and rheumatism 
and gout are frequently relieved. In reality, these waters. 



AQUA. 137 

of which there are several varieties, may be considered 
medicinal. Some physicians are in the habit of prescrib- 
ing them for a remedial effect, while others discard them 
altogether as medicament. 

The classification of mineral waters is difficult. The 
different salts and gases are so intermingled, that the vari- 
et ies are exceedingly numerous. But for the sake of brev- 
ity, they may be grouped into four classes, as follows: 
] . ) Gaseous or carbonated. 
2.) Chalybeate — containing iron. 
(3.) Saline— containing salt. 
(4.) Sulphurous— containing sulphur. 

Gaseous or Carbonated water is strongly impregnated 
with carbonic acid gas. This gives to the water a ;, live." 
sparkling effect, and by chemical action helps to hold in 
solution other elements, chief among which are carbonates 
of iron, calcium and magnesia. 

Carbonated mineral waters are often applicable in chron- 
ic cases of gastritis where there is considerable irritability 
of the stomach. Their influence is modified by the salts 
which they contain, but they are generally soothing and 
grateful to the stomach. Kidney secretion is often stimu- 
lated and constipation due to defective peristaltic action 
is many times relieved, since the carbonic acid water aug- 
ments peristaltic movement. 

Chalybeate water is generally impregnated with carbon- 
ate of iron. This is held in solution by the carbonic acid 
gas which the water contains. Iron mineral water has an 
astringent taste and although when taken from the spring 
it is perfectly clear, if exposed to the air any length of 
time, the iron precipitates and is deposited on the sides of 
the vessel. 

Carbonate of iron is a Physio-Medical remedy and a 
strong tonic. Hence chalybeate waters are applicable in 
all cases where a tonic effect is desired. In atony of the 
stomach, menstrual derangements and many nervous con- 
ditions a beneficial influence may be secured. 

Saline waters, for the most part, contain chloride of 
sodium. Magnesia and iron are found in some of them. 
They are principally used in stomach troubles. Cases of 
intestinal catarrh often derive benefit from their use. 
They are generally recommended in diseases of the ali- 
mentary canal and even hemorrhoids are sometimes 
relieved. 



138 AQUA. 

Sulphur water contains sulphuretted hydrogen together 
with saline matter. This makes it quite applicable in all 
chronic affections of the mucous membrane of the digest- 
ive tract. Many diseases of the skin are relieved under 
the influence of sulphur mineral water. Especially is this 
the case when sulphur baths are applied. 

Speaking in general terms, the use of mineral waters of 
various kinds, in properly selected cases, is often followed 
by good results. At any rate they may be considered an 
auxiliary to medical treatment. But in no case should 
they be used indiscriminately, for each kind of water has 
its peculiar properties, and like any sanative remedy has 
its indications for each use and must be prescribed in ac- 
cordance with those indications. 

BATHING. 

For simple ablutionary purposes, water devoid of mineral 
matter is best. The good effect of the bath depends upon 
the thoroughness of skin cleansing. The body must be 
soaped and thoroughly washed. And since the mineral 
matter in water interferes with the soaping process, it is 
better to use rain water or other water that has been 
boiled. Subsequent rubbing with a rough towel removes 
the epidermic scales, opens the ducts of the sweat glands. 
induces perspiration, brings a glow to the surface, tills the 
vessels of the skin with blood, renders the integument soft 
and pliable and enables the individual to experience a feel- 
ing of comfort throughout his general economy. 

The remedial effect of water when applied to the surface 
of the body, depends (1) upon its temperature and (2) upon 
the vital powers of the individual. Erich must be carefully 
considered and one adapted to the other. We often hear 
the cold plunge, the cold sponge and the cold shower baths 
condemned. The bad results which are sometimes ob- 
tained come from a misapplication of the bath. Every 
bath, no matter what its temperature may be, has its in- 
dications for use and its field of application. And if not 
selected in accordance with these indications, taking into 
consideration the vital resistive powers of the patient, 
harm will of necessity be the consequence. 

The temperature of the ordinary water bath will vary 
from 32 to 112 degrees F. , or even higher. So according to 
the sensations of the bather, baths are classified between 
these two extremes as follows: 

(a.) Cold bath 32 to 60 degrees F. 



AQUA. 139 ! 

(b.) Cool bath 60 to 75 degrees F. 

(c.) Hot bath 98 to 112 degrees F. 

(d.) Warm bath 92 to 98 degrees V. 

(e. r ) Tepid bath 75 to 92 degrees F. 
It must be remembered, however, that the bather is not 
capable of judging as to the temperature of the water. 
Water, the temperature of which is pleasant and agreeable 
to the extremities, will feel cold when applied to the abdo- 
men and other parts, where the temperature of the body, is 
higher. If the body be allowed to remain in the bath un- 
til an equilibriurn is effected* between the temperature of , 
the skin and that of the water, the. coolness is no longer 
experienced. This being a fact, in regulating the tem- 
perature of the different baths it is better to depend upon 
the thermometer. 

THE pOLD BATH. 

, ; 32, to 60 degrees F. 
1 On suddenly immersi'ng' the body' in cold water, the • 
bather experiences. some very unpleasant sensations. The 
water being so much colder thati the ; body absorbs heat 
very rapidly. This abstraction of heat is perceived by the 
peripheral fibrillar of the sensory nerves of "the skin as a 
shock. The impression is conveyed to the centre, where it 
Ss reflected to the vaso-motor constrictors of the tegument 
Vary structure. This transient influence causes a contrac- 
tion of the skip and its vascular structures, effecting an 
unequal distribution of blood throughout the general vas- 
cular system. ' '(. 

- By virtue of these facts the derma appears contracted; 
shriveled and pale. As" a natural consequence the bather 
reels as though all the blood had been forcibly driven to 
the internal organs, particularly the 1 viscera of the thoracic 
cavity. There is su'dden and spasmodic gasping for 
breath. The respirations 1 are increased' In frequency and 
the individual feels like 1 he would certainly suffocate". 

1 'Pulse small, hard and not easily compressed. Muscles and 
tissues in general seem drawn together, rigid and tense. 

'•* 'After the body has remained in the water a few minutes 
a change takes place. The bather feels like new life had 
gained possession of his tissues: A sense of nimbleness is 
experienced. ^ Pie rhovtes with the greatest ease aud enjoys 
in the highest degree the feeling of flexibility. 
• The skin is now full of blood. There is a glow. Reac- 
tion has taken place, and there is a determination of blood 



140 AQUA. 

to the surface, relieving ihe pressure on the internal or- 
gans. Pulse full and strong. He can breathe deep and his 
respirations are regular. In short, he enjoys a great sense 
of* comfort, ease and juvenility. 

At this moment, when reaction is established, he must 
leave the water and rub the surface thoroughly with a crash 
towel to assist Nature in her efforts to throw the blood to 
the surface. Upon the completeness of reaction depends 
the good effect of the bath. If the bather remains in the 
water very long after reaction, he again becomes cold and 
is seized with cramps. When this condition obtains harm 
always results from the bath. 

A vigorous constitution is the essential requisite to a 
beneficial effect of the cold bath. If the individual has 
strong vital powers, the bath will give increased tone, 
strength, flexibility and firmness to the vascular struct- 
ures, skin and nervous system, enabling him to endure 
vicissitudes of temperature without so markedly disturb- 
ing the equilibrium of the circulation. And thus he can 
withstand a greater amount of exposure with less danger 
of taking cold. 

Tt is a principle in physiology that "the growth of a part 
from undue exercise of its functions is always, in itself, a 
healthy process." While the force of the heart's action 
alone is sufficient to propel the blood the rounds of the 
circulation, there are other forces which act as helps. The 
arteries perform their part of this function. For this pur- 
pose they are provided with an elastic and muscular coat. 
The former is predominant in the larger arteries but grad- 
ually diminishes in thickness as the vessels get smaller, 
until finally the muscular coat is thickest and most devel 
oped. These two coats are the ones by which the arteries 
are enabled to influence the onward flow of the life sus- 
taining fluid and at the same time assist in keeping up the 
blood pressure. Aside from this, their elasticity allows 
them to receh T e more than an average amount of blood, 
either from an increased quantity, or from an unequal dis- 
tribution. 

The first effect of a contracted surface from the applica- 
tion of cold, is a determination of blood to the heart and 
larger vessels. This sudden accumulation of blood gives 
the heart more work than it can perform for the time be- 
ing. There is also a greater dilatation of the vessels than 
they are accustomed to in the "performance of their ordi- 



AQUA. ' J41 

nary function. Hence the heart s action is feeble. In two 
or three minutes, nature supplies the heart and arteries 
with energy necessary to perform their extra amount of 
work, and soon the peripheral vessels are filled, equilibrium 
is established and reaction is complete. 

The performance of this- increased function— which is 
physiological— is what leads to the development of a strong 
heart, strong blood-vessels and increased tone of adjacent 
tiSvSues, which also exert an influence on the onward flow 
of blood. Thus the circulatory apparatus is strengthened 
and better adapted for its function. The circulation is 
more active and the tissues in general more hardened and 
more capable of resisting the influence of sudden changes 
in temperature. 

Although the cold bath does not recei /e much favor 
from Physio-Medicalists, there are individuals whom it 
will benefit. In its recommendation it is well to observe 
the following conditions: 

(1.) Where there is disease of the heart or large blood- 
vessels, or exhaustion from any cause, or disease of any 
organ or organs causing the walls of the blood-vessels 
therein to be thinned and weakened and unable to with- 
stand increased blood pressure, the bath will prove injuri- 
ous. 

(2.) Where there is an absence of these conditions and a 
strong nervous system, with vital powers capable of react- 
ing quickly and thoroughly, the bath may be recom- 
mended. 

(3.) In the beginning the water should be tepid and its 
temperature gradually lowered at each bathing until the 
cold bath is reached. 

(4.) The stimulating effect is greatest and reaction 
comes up best when the bath is taken quickly. The longer 
the bather is in the water the slower and weaker is the 
reaction which follows. 

(5.) A warm diffusively stimulating tea should be given 
before entering and after leaving the bath. 

THE COOL BATH. 

t>0 to 75 degrees F. 
The cool bath has a much wider field of application than 
the cold bath. Its physiological action is much the same, 
except as to the degree of shock and intensity of reaction, 
which are much less. This makes baths between the 
above temperatures applicable in cases where the vital 



142 AQUA. 

powers are weak.. Old people and children ma^ take them, 
• The cooi bath answers a good. purpose in disease, for if 
due care , be . exercised the degree of impressicn induced 
will not be too great for the, patient's vital resistive pow- 
ers. An£ it is altogether iprobable that, ifi the truth were, 
known, the good., results which have been reported as due 
to the action of the cold, bath, were, in; reality, a',conse T 
quence of a.coojl .bath,; since many times' the temperature 
of the water is judged by the patient's sensations, in the 
absence of a thermometer. In recommending the cool 
bath to individual* suffering from disease, the tempera- 
ture of the room in. which tlie bath is taken must be prop- 
erly regulated. Subsequent rubbing of the surface must 
be practiced until reaction comes up thoroughly, for in 
this as in the cold, bath, the good effect, is in direct ratio 
to the completeness of reaction. }n cases where complete 
reaction is not established, particularly ,if the. bath is fol- 
lowed by chilliness, tired feeling and loss of appetite, its 
use should either be discontinued or the temperature of 
the water raised. .. , 

This bath is- not applicable in all cases. But when it 
does prove beneficial, rheumatic and neuralgic pains are 
often greatly relieved. Some nervous troubles like hys- 
teria and spasmodic croup will quickly yield upon the 
application pf a cool bath followed by brisk, rubbing with 
a' crash towel, In some cases of rickets, if due care be 
exercised, good will result. It has a tonic effect upon the 
skin and the tissues become firmer. But in all such cases.. 
the condition of the bath room as regards temperature and 
ventilation, as well as subsequent rubbing of the skin to 
aid, reaction, must be carefully looked after. 

THE HOT BATH. 

: 98 to 112 deg. F. 

5 The effect of this bath is therapeutically opposite to 
that of the cold bath. Yet they both bring about the same 
result,, which is increased capillary circulation of the skin. 
One is the extreme of the other. Both have a field of 
usefulness, the former being applicable in those people 
who have enough reserve force to allow the performance of 
increased function, the latter where there is a delicate 
constitution, lowered vitality, poor circulation, and bad 
resistive powers, engendering an inability to overcome 
influences demanding strong reaction. While the hot bath 
is one extreme, it invites blood to the tegumentary vascu- 



kQVA. 143 

lar structures, thereby relieving internal pressure without 
calling into requisition the vital powers. 

In the first stages of pneumonia, when congestion and 
engorgement are marked but as yet no actual inflammatory 
lesion, the hot bath, by inviting a flow of blood to the ves- 
sels of the derma, lessens the amount of that fluid at the 
diseased point in the thoracic viscus. This does much 
toward aborting the attack, or at least greatly modifying 
its severity. Likewise, in an acute inflammatory condition 
of any of the internal organs, its use is not contra-indicated 
although care must be exercised lest the patient take cold. 

An external application of hot water brings the blood to 
the surface. The skin becomes red and has a puffy appear- 
ance. The conjunctiva is hyperaemic and there is a ten- 
dency to lachrymation. The derma of the face is turgid. 
Increased heart action causes the pulse to be full and fre- 
quent. The temporal arteries throb and the bather com- 
plains of a heaviness in the head with confusion of thought. 
Breathing is somewhat difficult and there is a feeling of 
oppression in the chest. 

Soon a profuse sweat begins, much to the relief of those 
unpleasant feelings. At this moment it is best for the 
bather to leave the water and take a cool or tepid shower 
followed by brisk rubbing. If he remains in the bath too 
long he has a subsequent feeling of fatigue and loss of en- 
ergy. The pulse continues rapid, he feels weak and the 
extremities are swollen. In some cases, however, this de- 
gree of relaxation is desired, especially when the muscular 
system is to be relaxed in cases of dislocation, rupture and 
many other conditions. In these cases the hot water may 
be applied to a circumscribed portion of the body by satu- 
rating cloths and applying to the part. 

In cases of keratitis, iritis and many other acute inflam- 
mations of the eye or its appendages, the local application 
of hot water does much to relieve the pain and suffering. 

After bathing in hot water the skin is much relaxed and 
in a very delicate and susceptible condition. To avoid a 
state of extreme contraction of the vessels of the skin, en- 
dangering violent congestion of the internal organs, the 
bather must be placed in a warm room or in bed to favor 
perspiration. 

THE WARM BATH. 

92 to 98 deg. F. 
The warm bath has a most soothing effect. There is no 



144 AQUA. 

shock, no extreme redness of the skin and no hyperaemia of 
the conjunctiva. The face is only slightly flushed and the 
respirations are normal. Pulse a little quickened but full 
and strong. 

This the bath for the feeble; the ablutionary wave for 
the convalescent. Instead of securing its results by calling 
into action nature's dormant powers, it assists lowered vi- 
tality and deficient nerve force in soliciting a. full and free 
Circulation to the skin. The cuticular layers absorbing the 
liquid are soltened and subsequent rubbing removes the 
loose ones, opens the ducts of the glands, induces perspi- 
ration and imparts renewed vigor and increased tone to the 
integumentum and underlying tissues. Irritability of 
the nervous system is relieved and neuralgic and muscular 
pains are allayed. So that, aftera long and tiresome jour- 
ney, the weary traveler secures from the warm bath a tran- 
quilizing effect to his living economy. 

It will be found that the warm bath is much more useful 
in disease than the cold bath. Those old rheumatic cases 
in which there is inflammatory thickening of the ligaments 
and other structures of the joints, will derive much benefit. 
In cases of paralysis of syphilitic origin where the cause is 
removable the warm bath is a valuable accessory to treat- 
ment. In the very first stages, Bright's disease will yield 
more readily to the influence of medicines if the skin be 
stimulated to a better performance of its function. 

In many forms of skin disease the continuous warm bath 
is made use of and recommended by Hebra of Vienna a 
prominent writer on skin disease. The vessel in which the 
bath is given is so arranged that the water flows constantly 
and is kept at a certain tempeiature. At first the patient 
is kept in the bath only two or three hours. The time is 
gradually lengthened until he is made to remain under 
water several days. He can eat, sleep and drink while in 
the water and the processes of nutrition, secretion, excre- 
tion and respiration are carried on normally. 

In psoriasis the continuous bath softens the scales and 
keeps the part cleansed. Burns are treated with the great- 
est success. The water keeps the air from the burned sur- 
face and cleanses the part so that resoiution is soon com- 
plete. While this bath cannot be well used except in hos- 
pitals, and but few if any Physio-Medicalists have used it. 
good results can no doubt be obtained in properly selected 
cases. 



AQUA. 145 

THE TEPID BATH. 

75 to 92 deg. F. 

Water, between these temperatures, has no special reme- 
dial effect when applied to the surface of the body. It is 
used more for cleansing purposes. And since the oily filth 
can not be remo\ed from the derma without the use of soap, 
soft water is preferable. 

There are people who go months and even years, without 
having" their bodies subjected to the cleansing influence of 
water. Yet these undeserving creatures pass through life 
seemingly healthy and robust. In most such cases however 
the individual indulges in such physical procedures as ex- 
cite free perspiration and thus the sudoriferous glands are 
continuously flushed. Were it not for this fact, these anti- 
ablutionists would certainly suffer the dire consequences 
of surface suffocation. 

It is necessary to take a good cleansing hath oftener in 
Summer than in Winter. During the hot months the 
sweat glands are constantly at work. The watery portion 
of the cutaneous excret ion evaporates leaving the solid con- 
stituents and sebaceous matter in contact with the skin. 
This, together with the dried epithelial scales forms a uni- 
form coating over the entire surface of the integumentum. 
The mouths of the gland ducts are clogged and this pro- 
duct undergoes decomposition. Thus very offensive odors 
are exhaled. The bath should be taken often enough to 
prevent the collection of such foul material and the skin 
should be thorougly rubbed afterwards to stimulate cap- 
illary circulation. 

THE SPONGE BATH. 

One of the simplest aud at the same time most effective 
methods of applying water to the surface of the body is by 
the use of the wet sponge. One part should be bathed at 
a time and thoroughly rubbed and dried, then another un- 
til every part of the body has been bathed. The water 
may be used at any temperature that the condition of the 
the patient and the state of vital resistive powers seem to 
indicate 

The cool sponge bath upon arising in the morning, is a 
luxury which but few of us enjoy. Yet it is a process 
which is cleansing, stimulating, bracing and if not carried 
to excess, conducive to health. While at first the cool wa- 
ter may feel unpleasant, in a short time it becomes more 
agreeable. And if followed by brisk rubbing, a warm glow 



146 AQUA. 

o'erspreads the surface and a thrill of vigor permeates his 
entire organism. 

The warm sponge bath is especially applicable in febricula, 
typhoid fever, pneumonia, and acute inflammatory condi- 
tions of any internal organs attended by an elevation of 
temperature. The temperature of thewater is below that 
of the body and yet it does not produce shock when applied, 
but absorbs or becomes charged with heat from the body. 
Thus by the sponging process, radiation of heat is favored 
and the temperature of the patient can be reduced several 
degrees, great care must be exercised in fever cases 
to sponge and dry one part of the body at a time. And this 
must be done under cover to prevent taken cold. 

THE SITZ BATH. 

In taking this bath the patient sits down in a vessel of 
suitable size and depth. Enough warm or hot water is 
then poured- into the vessel to come well up on the hips. 
Hot water must be added every few minutes to maintain 
proper temperature. The patient may remain in the bath 
from twenty to thirty minutes. 

This process of local bathing is very relaxing to the 
pelvic organs and has a tendency to attract blood 
to their vessels. It may be used to advantage in cases 
where the menses are checked from cold. In all such 
however, diffusively stimulating emmenagogues which 
have a tendency to aid in bringing on tardy menses must 
be administered internally. 

If persistently applied in connection with internal relax- 
ation and stimulation, in cases of renal colic, being care- 
ful to have the vessel deep enough to allow the water to 
come well up on the back, its relaxing influence will do 
much to lessen the tension and allow the offending materi- 
al to pass into the bladder, much to the relief of the pat- 
ient's suffering and physicians anxiety. 

In acute inflammations of the kidney and bladder as well 
as neuralgic affections of the uterus and ovaries, its sooth 
ing effect will be greatly appreciated. 

THE FOOT BATH. 

This bath is very frequently made use of for the relief of 
pain and suffering due to severe congestion and inflamma- 
tion of internal organs attended by febrile movement. It 
should always be used as hot as the patient can bear it and 
Hie water should be heavily charged with a powerful and 



AQUA. 14. 

persistent stimulant. Mustard or an infusion of capsicum 
is generally used. 

The vessel in which the bath is given should be deep 
enough to allow the hot water to come well up to the knees 

and the feet should remain in the bath until the capilla- 
ries of the skin are full of blood and the surface of the feet 
and legs intensely red. This lessens the blood pressure at 
the diseased point and makes the bath of special benefit in 
all acute inflammations of the lungs, liver and bowels. 
The sharp cutting- pain due to acute inflammation of the 
membrana tympani and purulent accumulation> in the 
cavity of the tympanum, is often greatly relieved. In the 
first stages of meningitis, this bath together with the 
internal administration of diffusively stimulating remedies 
which have a tendency to strongly favor an outward circu- 
lation, will do much to abort t lie attack, or at. least lessen 
the danger of subsequent serious results. 

THE SHOWER BATH. 

The apparatus necessary for the bath consists essentially 
of a funnel-shaped cup the large end of which is covered 
with a perforated sheet of tin or other metal. The small 
end is attached to a common pipe to which two other pipes 
are attached. One of these serves for the passage of hot. 
arid the other for cold water. Properly arranged stop- 
cocks allow a mixture of the hot and cold aqua and thus 
any temperature can be used from hot to cold. In passing- 
through the perforated sheet, the flow of water is broken 
up into small streams. 

The advantage of this bath is that there is a constant 
change of water. The bath may begin with tepid water 
and gradually increase to hot. After the effect of the hot 
bath has been secured, the water may be gradually cooled 
until finally a shower of cold water may be passed over the 
body. This closes the ducts of the sweat glands and 
brings up reaction. Then there is no danger of the bather 
taking cold upon leaving the bath. 

THE PACK BATH. 

Packing the patient with a wet sheet is a method of ap- 
plying water quite different from those which have been 
considered. The water may be either cold or warm. But 
since the temperature of the water and that of the skin 
quickly approximate, it is better to begin with warm water. 

Oil-cloth is placed on the mattress to keep it dry. The 
patient is stripped naked and wrapped in a sheet which has 



148 AQUA. 

been dipped in warm or hot water. If it is the wish to en- 
courage perspiration, a blanket may be applied also. 

Great care is required in giving a cold pack for there is 
danger of doing jbhe patient considerable injury. Even a 
warm pack requires close attention. When properly given 
a warm pack is a valuable help in the treatment of malar- 
ial fever. The patient has a chill. After the chill comes 
the fever. The tongue is dry and the pulse quickened. He 
is in no condition to stand a shock. So, we place him in a 
warm pack having the temperature of the water about 98 
deg. F. Slight diffusive stimulation or in some cases near- 
ly pure relaxation are given internally. Bottles of hot 
water are placed to the feet and sides. The bath may be 
continued until free perspiration is secured. Then the 
temperature begins to drop and the patient may be re- 
moved from" the pack and rubbed briskly. As long as the 
fever remains high the pack may be continued. Prof. 
Davidson, one of the ablest men, most successful practition- 
ers and deepest thinkers ever known to Physio-Medicalism, 
once said that he had continued the pack in these cases 
two or three hours with the happiest results. 

If the patient is a child, a partial pack may be applied 
over the organ or part affected. It acts well in cases of 
pneumonia, dysentery and derangements of the bowels. In 
cases of erysipelas the warm pack answers a good purpose. 

In applying the pack bath to patients suffering from 
chronic troubles it must be applied quite hot to arouse 
them thoroughly. But it must be remembered that a per- 
son in a hot pack is very easily scalded. The water must 
not be too hot. 

If an emetic has been given, the patient should not take 
a bath that day. He must wait until he has thoroughly 
recovered 1 rom the effects of the emetic. 

It is always well to stimulate patients before they enter 
and during the time they are in the pack. And subsequent 
friction until the surface is dry must always be practiced. 

THE MOTST VAPOR BATH. 

90 to 150 deg. F. 

For its hygienic effect, vapor bathing has been practiced 
from time immemorial. Hippocrates recommended simple 
watery vapor. The ancient Romans used it extensively. 
But their use of it was more for enjoyment and a prevent- 
ive influence than any therapeutic effect. 

In the United States, Physio-Medical physicians have 



AQUA. U9 

been given the credit of first using- the vapor bath for ther- 
apeutical purposes. And although in liis effort in this 
direction Samuel Thompson was classed as an empiric, the 
best writers of to-day must acknowledge that as a sudatory 
process it is far superior to any yet known. 

The placing of the body in a medium in which there is 
suspended watery vapor, is called a moist vapor bath. Di- 
rectly opposite to this is the dry vapor bath in which the 
medium consists of heated air. 

The temperature of a steam bath will vary from 90 de- 
grees to 150 degrees F. When the entire body, with the 
exception of the head, is surrounded by steam having a 
temperature above that of the body, a portion of the water 
is taken up by the absorbents of the skin. Indeed, in the 
very beginning of a vapor bath the absorbents are often so 
active that they will take up the greater part of the water. 
After the blood-vessels and absorbents are full, and tin- 
steam has lost some of its caloric by c< ntact with the body 
which has a lower temperature than that of the vapor, 
large drops will trickle down the skin. 

When the head is surrounded by vapor and the latter 
inhaled, there is great augmentation of fluid absorption 
and at the same time increased stimulating effect. The 
vascular system is filled with water. The heart's action 
is increased and the pulse' full. There is corresponding 
increased fullness of the. cerebral vessels. This extra quan- 
tity of fluid in the cranial cavity has its effect on the ence- 
phalic function, hence there is a feeling of drowsiness and 
indisposition. 

In due time, profuse sweating begins. The delicate ves- 
sels of the skin are filled with blood. At the same time 
the absorbent vessels are filled with water. By virtue of 
these two conditions the integument has a swollen, plump 
appearance immediately after the bath. 

The patient may remain in the steam from ten minutes 
to two hours, owing to his temperament, habits and sensi- 
tiveness. Therapeutically speaking, as soon as perspira- 
tion is thoroughly established, the full effect of the bath 
has been secured. If continued too long, drowsiness and 
other unpleasant symptoms supervene and prostration is 
the sequence. And in some cases, if the steam is applied 
still longer, the blood becomes heated to such a degree 
that the results may be quite disastrous. 

The simplest way to give a vapor bath, especially in 



150 AQUA. 

certain acute eases where it is necessary to give it at the 
patient's home, is to seat him in a chair, nude. A blanket 
is thrown around him. pinned sufficiently tight around 
the neck and allowed to reach the floor to prevent any 
draught from striking him. The feet are placed in hot 
water to keep them .warm. Under the chair sits an alco- 
hol lamp and over the flame rests a small basin or cup 
filled with water. During the time he is in the bath, 
warm diffusively stimulating drinks should be adminis- 
tered to favor an outward circulation and call into action 
the sweat glands. 

Although very simple and seemingly rude, when better 
apparatus cannot be made use of. the good effect of a moist 
vapor bath may be secured in this way. 

In chronic cases where the patient can come to the office 
more expensive apparatus may be used. A box large 
enough to allow the patient to enter, should be secured. 
This box may be made of hard wood nicely finished. A 
stool which can be raised or lowered must be placed in the 
box. The lid of the box is made in two sections. A circu- 
• lar opening is cut through these sections, allowing haJf to 
be removed from each section. This opening should be 
sufficiently large to receive the patient's neck. Thus the 
attendant may enclose the patient's entire body in the box 
with the exception of his head. 

The steam may be generated either in the box or out of 
it. If generated in the box an alcohol lamp should be 
placed under the stool, and the basin containing the water 
suspended over this. If formed outside of the box the water- 
may be heated in a closed boiler and the steam conveyed 
to a point beneath" the stool by means of a pipe. 

The interior of the box may be lined with zinc. An 
opening at some point in the bottom will allow the escape 
of water. A shower bath may be attached in such a way 
that when the steaming process has been completed, the 
lid of the box may be removed and a shower bath given. 
This should be given with warm water and its tempera- 
ture gradually lowered until the cool bath is reached. 

A fan attached to the box and operated by means of a 
crank is a valuable accessory. Or, in cities where an elec- 
tric current may be made use of, an electric fan is more 
convenient. The patient's head can then be kept cool 
while his body is subjected to the influence of the steam. 

The best time to give a vapor bath to get the most ben- 



AQT7A. 151 

eficial effect, is when the stomach is empty. For this rea- 
son in some cases it is well to give an emetic previously. 
It is good practice also to cleanse the lower bowel by 
enema to preven T the absorption of any offending material. 
In many forms of disease, restoration of suppressed per- 
spiration is the desideratum, and this is one of the first 
effects of the vapor bath. To assist in accomplishidg the 
object, warm diffusively stimulating diaphoretics, such as 
zingiber tea. or an infusion of myrica comp., or sierra sal- 
via in hot lemonade, should be given at the time. The 
next effect of the vapor bath is a softening of dried epithe- 
lial scales, together with relaxation of the skin. After 
being exposed to such high temperature the skin is open 
and very susceptible to influences. This calls for a cool 
shower which will close the pores. Subsequent rubbing 
aids in bringing up reaction, and places the skin in such a 
condition as will prevent the taking of cold. 

THE DRY VAPOR HATH OR HOT ATK BATH. 

100 to 120 deg. F. 

The dry vapor bath, or Turkish bath. excite> profuse 
sweating, without necessitating an exposure of the body 
to the influence of moisture. And although its considera- 
tion has no direct connection with water, it may be well 
to give the hot air bath brief mention. 

To give a thorough Turkish bath, three rooms arc neces- 
sary. One serves for a dressing room. Another having a 
higher temperature is used for a cooling room, while the 
third, having a temperature of from 100 degrees to 120 de- 
grees F., is the bath room proper. In this room is a mar- 
ble slab on which the bather reclines. The attendant rubs 
him thoroughly during the time he is in the hot room. 
After perspiring freely for a short time, he is washed with 
warm water and soap and then rubbed with a crash towel. 
To prevent taking cold, he remains in the cooling room 
from thirty to sixty minutes. 

The Turkish bath arouses the sudorific glands power- 
fully and fills the tegnmentary vascular structures with 
blood. Hut since this bath is not always available, a pa- 
tient may be sweated just as effectively by means of hot 
air. at the office. The same box in which the moist vapor 
bath is given, may be used for a dry vapor bath. The alco- 
hol lamp should be much larger and several wicks are 
necessary. A thermometer may be placed in the box and 
when the temperature is raised to 100 degrees F. the pa. 



152 AQUA. 

tient should enter. In some cases the temperature may 
be raised as high as 120 degrees F. But in no instance 
should the patient be allowed to remain in such hot air 
without having his head kept cool by fanning. 

Sulphur fumes add very much to the good effect of a hot 
air bath. These fumes may be applied by placing over the 
flame of the lamp, in a metallic cup, about two drachms of 
sulphur. If not heated above 232 degrees F. the sulphur 
passes into a vapor. But if heated above this point, and a 
current of air strikes the sulphur, it burns and sulphurous 
gas is formed which is very irritating. Care must be exer- 
cised not to have the temperature of the cup in which the 
sulphur is burned too high. 

After the patient has been in the bath a few minutes, 
his face becomes flushed and the conjuctiva hyperaemic. 
Soon slight perspiration appears on the body and in a short 
time it becomes profuse. In most cases the respirations 
are increased and the pulse quickened and full. 

It is very necessary tc be careful, especially with weakly 
persons, for there is much excitement of the cerebral cir- 
culation, often dizziness and sometimes syncope. If the 
patient be allowed to remain in the bath until these symp- 
toms appear, there is a subsequent feeling of exhaustion 
which neutralizes to a certain degree the good effects of 
the bath. 

After remaining in the sulphurous vapor fifteen or 
twenty minutes, the lamp should be removed from the box 
and a shower bath applied, beginning with warm water 
and gradually lowering its temperature to that of a cool 
shower. Then rub the patient thoroughly with a crash 
towel. 

The dry vapor bath with sulphur fumes is one of the 
best baths that can be made use of in chronic cases. Long- 
standing intersticial hepatitis, chronic bronchitis, gastric 
difficulties and rheumatism will be greatly relieved. In 
fact this bath is applicable in almost any chronic case 
where there is not too much prostration. Many forms of 
skin disease are improved and diseased conditions of the 
mucous membranes at any point will yield to the influence 
of medicinal treatment more readilv, if this bath be ap- 
plied. It has one marked advantage over the moist vapor 
bath in that there is little or no danger of the individual, 
taking cold upon leaving the bath, even in damp cold 
weather. I have known weakly people to leave the bath 



A KALI A. 153 

at once and drive several hours, cold, windy weather days, 
and not take cold. This may be due to an astringent 
which is deposited upon the skin, closing the pores; for if 
the attendant rub the bather's skin with his hands, it 
feels as though li is integument were bathed in alum 
water. 

In the preparation of this article the writer has availed himself of many 
excellent works, chief among which may be mentioned, Ravogli on The Hy- 
giene of the Skin; Parkes' Practical Hygiene byNotter; Wilson's Hanc 1 
book ot Hygiene; Kirk's Manual of Phy-iology ; Carpenter's Human P. ys 
ology; Bell on Baths; Phillips' Materia Medica and Therapeutics 
others. 



and- 
ysi- 
and 



A KALI A H1SPIDA. 
Dwarf Elder. 

The bark of the roots and stems are mildly stimulating 
and tonic diuretic. In hot infusion it influences the blood 
toward the surface, but cold preparations influence the 
kidneys and procure a good flow of urine, and yet leaves 
the parts toned. To the stomach they are a warming, 
pleasant, bitter tonic. 

For its tonic diuretic properties it is excellent in dropsy, 
renal torpor, renal congestions; and where there is scanty 
and scalding urine with aching of back or bladder. 

With females, while it is valuable for its action on the 
renal tract it also influences the uterus, relieving uterine 
torpor and assisting in the promotion of the periodic flow. 
F. E. Aralia Hisp. dr. ii 

'• Taraxacum Dens Le. dr. iv 
" Mitchella Rep. dr. iii 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

Sig. Teaspoonful three or four times a day as a female 
diuretic tonic. 

F. E. Aralia Hisp. et 

" Capsella Bur. Pas. aa. oz. ss 
Potassa Citralis dr. ss 

Syr. Zingiberis ad. oz. iv 

Mix. Sig. Teaspoonful every three hours for cystic 
congestion. 

ARALIA NUDICAULIS. 

* Imevican Savsaparilla. 

Tl:e root is a pleasant and gently stimulating diuretic, 
influencing all the mucous membrane, but especially that 
of the renal organs. In hot infusion it influences the cir- 



154 ARALIA. 

culation toward the surface very favorably and may be 
used for the relief of colds whether of the bead, lungs, 
stomach, bowels or uterus. It is stimulating and soothing 
to the mucous membrane. 

F. E. Aralia Nud. dr. ii 

" Celastrus Scan. dr. ii 
ik Taraxacum dr. iv 

" Menispermum C. dr. i 
Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 
This is a valuable alterative. 

A KALI A RACEMOSA. 

Spikenard ■ 

This root is mildly stimulating, demulcent, warming, 
sustaining andtoning to the mucous membrane especially 
that of the respiratory organs. In hot infusion the circu- 
lation and skin feel its influence. 

It allays irritation of the respiratory mucous membrane. 
and is a soothing expectorant. It is of much value in 
allaying spasmodic cough and in the relief of inflammations 
and congestions of the thoracic organs, whether they be 
bronchial, pleuritic or pulmonary. It is valuable in tin' 
treatment of the irritation subsequent to eruptive diseases. 
It soothes the mucous membrane throughout the stomach 
bowels and bladder also. 

Inhaling of a vapor or spray of aralia is valuable and 
pleasant in irritated conditions of the lungs. 
Aralia Eac. 2 

Symphytum Off. 
Mitchella Rep. 
Eupatorium Purp. m. 1 
forms a valuable tonic for ladies having a weak and irri- 
tated mucous membrane, whether alvine. renal, respira- 
tory or uterine. 

F. E. Aralia Rac. et 
" Inula Hel. et 
" Symphytum Off. et 
'• Marrabium Vulg. aa. dr. i 
" Sanguinaria Can. gtta. xv 
" Primus Yirg. dr. ii 

" Glycyrrhiza Glab. dr. ss 
Syr. Simp. q. s. oz. vi 

This is an admirable tonic cough syrup for chronic cases 
with more or less debility. If needed it can be made more 









ARALIA. 






relaxing 


by the addition 


of f. 


E. 


Lobel 


i;i 


F. 


E 


. Aralia Rac. 
Lycopus Virg. 




dr. 
dr 


vi 
iv 




' 




Polemoninni V, 


ep. 


dr. 


ii 





Inf. 



Syr. Zing. q. s. oz. viii 

Sig Half to one teaspoonf il as required. 
F. E. Aralia Rac. et 

Symphytum Off aa. dr. iss 

" Inula Hel. et 

Sanguinaria Can. aa. dr. i 
Lobelia Infl. et 



" Cephaslis Ipecac. 


aa. dr. 


ss 


Tr. Capsicum 


gtta. v 


Syr. Primus Virg. 


q. s. oz. 


iv 


This is a stimulating coug 


i syrup. 




F. E. Aralia Rac. et 






" Symphytum (Iff. 


a a. dr. 


ii 


Syr. Prunus Virg. 


<|. s. oz. 


iv 


Add to this F. E. Lobelia 


Inf. or Sanguinaria, o 


to suit the case, 






F. E. Aralia Rac. 


dr. iii 




F. E. Symphytum Off. e 


t 




" Caulophyllum 


aa. dr. i 




Syr. Prunus Virg. q. 


s. oz. iv 




Aralia Rac. 8 






Symphytum Off. 4 






Viburnum Opu. 2 






Inula Hel. 1 






Mitchella 3 






Prunus 10 






This forms a good female 


tonic and 


cough syrup 


bined. 






F, E. Aralia Rac. 


dr. iii 


! 


" Eupatorium Perf. 


dr. ii 




" Lippia Mexicana 


dr. ii 




<l Cimcifuga Rac. 


dr. ss 




Syr.Prunus 


q. s. oz. 


vi. 


Aralia Rac. 


oz. xvi. 




Con vail aria Mult. 


oz. vii. 




Prunus Virg. 


oz. iv 




Capsicum 


dr. i 




Lobelia Herb 


oz. i 




Amphiachyris Dr. 


oz. iv 





both 



com- 



156 ARCTIUM. 

Grind all for percolation, using as a menstruum: 
Glycerine oz. vi 

Alcohol oz. xiii 

Soft Water oz. xx 

Percolate till 2 fluid pounds pass. Set this aside, and 
continue the percolation with water till 2 fluid pounds 
more pass. In this dissolve sugar at slow heat. When 
cooladd: 

Alcohol oz. i 

Ol. Wintergreen et 
Ol. Sassafras aa. dr. i 

Then add the first percolate. 

This is Dr. F. O. Broady's formula and he says it takes 
the palm as a pleasant and efficient cough syrup. The 
broom weed makes it especially valuable. 

ARCH ANGELICA OFFICINALIS. 
Angelica. German. 

The root is peculiarly aromatic, oleaginous and of rather 
a pungent taste. It is moderately diffusive and stimulat- 
ing to the mucous membrane. In hot infusion it is dia- 
phoretic, and relieves the uterus in case of suppression 
from cold. It is also valuable in flatulence. 

Cold preparations act well on the kidneys and tone the 
entire pelvic apparata. 

F. E. Archangelica Off. dr. iv 

" Dioscorea Vil. dr. ii 

" Caulophyllum Thai, et 
" Leonurus Card. aa. dr. i 

Syr. Zingibens q. s. oz, iv 

This is a fine uterine antispasmodic and tonic where 
there is a deficiency of the menstrual flow and it may be 
also dysmenorrhoea. 

ARCTIUM LAPPA. 
Burdock. (Lappa Major.) 

The root is a soothing demulcent tonic alterative. It 
slowly and steadily influences the skin, soothes the kidneys 
and relieves the lymphatics. It is of great importance in 
all skin diseases and in scrofulous affections. It is very 
soothing to the mucous membrane throughout and is 
hence valuable in irritated conditions. Its soothing 
character is also extended to the serous membrane and is 
valuable in rheumatism, and also in venereal diseases 



ARCTIUM. 157 

especially if combined with more stimulating- agents, and 
notably in the inflammatory stage of such diseases. 
Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following alterative: 

Elix. Arctium Lap. et 
" Rumex Crisp. aa. oz. ii 

" Aralia Nudic. et 
" Iris Vers, et 
" Stillingia Syl. et 
•• Trifoliata Pra. et 
Syr. Podophyllum aa. oz. i 

M. S. One teaspoonful or more 4 or 5 times a day as 
needed. 

Ife also recommends the following hair tonic to be used 
t(t prevent the falling off of the hair during or subsequent 
to convalescence from typhoid # fever. also to cleanse and 
cure sores on the scalp especially of infants: 
Lappa Major oz. xvi 

Salvia Officinalis oz. viii 

Cydonia Vulgaris et 
Lycopodium Comp. aa. oz. iv 

M. Make into two quarts of decoction and add 
Succus Betula Lenta oz.'xvi 

Bay Rum oz. xvi 

Take 
Alcohol 45 per cent. oz, xii 

Ess. Hiliontrope oz. iv 

Mix well these last and then add all together and let 
stand for several weeks, or it may be immediately filtered. 
The seed are somewhat more stimulating than the roots, 
and are quite oleaginous. The seed should be ground in 
order to obtain their properties quickly. In hot infusion 
it influences the sebaceous glands, and is of superior im- 
portance in scarlatina, and other exanthemata, and in 
typhoid fever. 

Cold preparations influence the kidneys, increasing the 
flow of urine and relieving irritation of the urinary tract. 
In skin diseases the seed are to be preferred to the root. 
A teaspoonful of the ground seed to a teacup of boiling 
water, after standing half an hour may be drank during 
the forenoon and the cup with the same seed filled with 
boiling water again and drank off in the afternoon. This 
is excellent in ophthalmia, as a good hepatic alterative. 

With zingiber it is more diffusive; with hydrastia 
sulphate it is rendered more tonic: with taraxacum or 



158 ARCTOSTAPHYLOS. 

euonymous they are more hepatic and give favorable results 
in eczema and jaundice; with mitchella its influence is 
given to the generative organs; and with triticum repens. 
juniper or eupatorium purpureum it influences the kidneys 
and may be used to good advantage in dropsy. 

The green leaves applied in hot fomentation are an ex- 
cellent application to sprains. They have the same gen- 
eral properties as the roots. In the green state they are 
more active than the roots upon the alvine canal and the 
hepatic organ. A fluid extract of the leaves, smaller 
branches and seeds shortly before ripe is an excellent prep- 
aration. 

ARCTOSTAPIIYLOS UVA - URSI. 

Uva-Ursi. 

The leaves are a mild, soothing, bitter, astringent, tonic 
diuretic. It influences the mucous membrane, but especi- 
ally that of urinary and genital structures, increasing the 
flow of urine, relieving congestion and toning the parts. 
It is valuable in leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea and gleet. The 
discharge is lessened and the parts toned. 
Infusion uva - ursi. oz. ss 

Bicarbonate Soda. grs. x 

M. Sig. Take this every two hours. This gives quick re- 
lief in cystitis, aching of the back or of the bladder, and 
gives good results in enuresis given occasionally. Dr. F. 
G-. Hoener recommends the following for bed wetting chil- 
dren. 

Elix. Uva - Ursi oz. ii 

" Achillea M. oz. i 

'• Rhus glabra bacca oz. iss 

M. Sig. One teaspoonful or desertspoonful every two or 
three hours during the day according to the case, and a 
hot sitz bath daily. 
Uva-Ursi et 
Mitchella aa 2 
Taraxacum 3 
forms an excellent pelvic tonic for the relief of prolapsus 
uteri, relaxed vagina, cystic catarrh and aching of kidneys 
and bladder. 

For the relief of congestion of the mucous membrane 
uva-ursi is best in hot infusion; but its toning effect is best 
obtained from cold preparations. 



ARISTOLOCHIA. 159 

ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENT A II I A. 

Serpentaria, Virginia Snake Root. 

The root is a bitter, warming', aromatic, diffusive stim- 
ulant. 

In hot infusion it influences the capillaries and thence 
the arterial circulation. It is quite stimulating to the gas- 
tric membrane and should not be given too strong nor too 
frequently else it may produce nausea and vomiting. In 
this way it is decidedly valuable in the promotion of stimu- 
lating emesis. 

It is stimulating to the mucous membrane throughout 
and large and frequent doses may prove irritating especial- 
ly if the alvine canal be already moie or less irritated. In 
such cases more soothing agents will be better. But in 
languid and sluggish conditions it arouses promptly and 
fully. 

In eruptive diseases, before the appearance of the full e- 
ruption it is excellent, especially in languid conditions: 
but where milder agents will do the work, I prefer them. 

In the treatment of nettle rash or rhus poisoning give 
freely and fully for a few hours and then stop, it will do 
good work. 

Its influence is primarily toward the surface, but soon its 
influence is felt by the whole arterial system, and the heart's 
impulse becomes stronger and fuller. By its stimulating 
action upon the arterial side of the circulation and the 
whole nervous system is aroused by its influence. Even the 
uterus feels its influence and its use is valuable for the re- 
lief of colds suppressing the periods 

(liven during parturition when the feel are cold and there 
is a general receding of blood from the surface and where 
the pains are inefficient, this agent will have an excellent 
influence. It will also anticipate flooding. 

Cold preparations quite freely influence the kidneys and 
relieve congestion and renal torpor. 

It is best to use serpentaria thoroughly and then discon- 
tinue its use for a time 

Occasionally in atonic dyspepsia, and gastric catarrh it 
arouses the mucous membrane and relieves the surface of 
viscid mucous. 

ARTANTHE ELONGAT A. 
Matico- (Piper Angustifolium.) Persia. 

The leaves are a pleasant, soothing, diffusive, stimula- 



160 ARTEMISIA. 

ting and gently astringent tonic. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation toward the 
surface, and its action on the raucous membrane is excel- 
lent throughout. It is of much importance in pulmonary 
hemorrhages, relieving them by relieving the circulation. 
Given shortly before parturition it pleasantly anticipates 
post-partem hemorrhage, it stimulates to better contrac- 
tions and facilitates labor. 

Its influence upon both mucous membrane and the cir- 
culation gives it a very positive influence in diarrhoea and 
dysentery, cholera infantum and cholera morbus, 

ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM. 

Wormwood. 

The leaven and flowers are an intensely bitter stimulant 
decidedly influencing the mucous membrane, and is some- 
what cholagogue. 

In very small doses it is a tonic and improves the appe- 
tite and assists digestion; in large dose 4 * it is quite cathartic. 
It is anthelmintic, but it is too intensely bitter to be very 
frequently used. Its influence is best felt in torpid condi- 
tions of the mucous membrane. It is too stimulating for 
irritated conditions. 

In hot infusion it best influences the circulation, and is 
best for the relief of menstrual suppression from cold. 

The oil of wormwood is valuable in intensely stimula- 
ting liniments; and for enuresis two or three dr ps may be 
given for a few days. 

ARTEMISIA VULGARIS. 
Mugwort, 

This is not so intensely better as the artemisia absin- 
thium, but is more tonic, and has a more decided influence 
on the uterus as an emmenagogue. 

ARTEMISIA ABROTANUM. 

Southem-wood- American. 

The flower buds have the same influence as the arte- 
misia santonica as a tonic vermifuge. 

ARTEMISIA SANTONICA. 

Santonica. Russia. 

The flower buds are anthelmintic especially in case of 
the round worm, or stomach worm. 






ASARUM. 161 

Santonine is the principal form in which this ingredient 
comes into the medical market. It appears in small white 
crystals almost tasteless making a strong gastric tonic. It 
is gently stimulating and is very suitable for children, 
because of its tastelessness. Give one or two grains in a 
little water morning and evening for three days and follow 
on the third day with an appropriate dose of antibillious 
physic. The worms usually pass from the child as a mass 
of mucous. Santonine in a few hours colors the urine 
quite yellow. 

A solution of two to four grains in water injected once or 
twice a day for a few days usually puts an end To pin 
worms. 

When either pin or stomach worms have been the cause 
of enuresis santonine will relieve this condition. 

ARUM TRIPHYLLUM. 
Indian Turnip. (Arisaematriphyllum.) 

The root when fresh is quite biting and pungent, and 
within a short time after being dried it is almost inert. 

The/?'e.s7* fen res bruised and used as a hot fomentation 
on scrofulous sores is excellent to cleanse and tone. 

The bruised pulp of the rootmay also be used to excellent 
advantage as a poultice in the same class of cases. At the 
same time use .sanguinaria canadencis internally Per- 
severance will here effect a cure. 

The fluid extract of the arum more or less dilute may be 
used for the same purpose. 

ASARUM CANADEXSE. 

Wild Ginger, Canada Snake Root- America and 

Europe. 

The root is a mild, aromatic, diffusive stimulant. 
It is somewhat less stimulating than zingiber, and is more 
soothing to the nerves, and they about equally influence 
the circulation when given in hot infusion. It gives very 
favorable results in eruptive diseases, in colds, coughs, sup- 
pressed menstruation from colds, and in dysmenorrhoea. 

Large doses may in the sensitive stomach create nausea 
and emesis, which in chronic coughs and gastric catarrah 
when the mucous membrane needs to be aroused it is val- 
uable, and it increases expectoration. 

In irritated or inflamed conditions of the mucous mem- 
brane, other agents are to be preferred. 



162 ASCLEPIAS 

parturition it is valuable when the surface is cold, 
and in all languid conditions of the mucous membrane. 
In insomina it gives excellent results. 

ASARUM EUROPIUM. 
Asarabacca. 

. The leaves are slightly aromatic, bitter, acrid and nau- 
seating. They especially influence the gastric and alvine 
mucous membrane, and prove emetic and cathartic. In 
hot infusion they may be used in rheumatism and colds. 

ASCLEPIAS CURASSAVICA. 

Blood- flower. 

The roots are relaxing, chiefly influencing the mucous 
membrane, and proving cathartic and emetic in large doses. 

In combination with zingiber they are more diffusive 
and influence a good outward circulation, it may be used 
for the arrest of light hemorrhages, and in the acute stage 
of gonorrhoea. 

ASCLEPIAS INCARNATA. 

White Indian Hemp. 

The root is chiefly relaxing to the mucous membrane, is 
mildly laxative and may prove cathartic when given in 
large doses. Under such circumstances it may also pro- 
voke emesis. It is sometimes used to exterminate the 
stomach worm and is useful in acute catarrh and rheuma- 
tism. 

ASCLEPIAS SYRIACA. 
Silhweed. 

The root is a relaxant, especially influencing the genito- 
urinary organs. It soothes the renal organs and relieves 
the aching back. It increases the flow of urine and leaves 
the parts soothed and somewhat toned. To the bowels 
it is rather laxative. In hot infusion it maybe used in 
acute bronchial or nasal catarrh. It promotes expectora- 
tion and assists in relieving the cough. It is also valuable 
in hot infusion in fevers. 

Asclepias Syriaca 3; Phytolacca Dec. Rad. 1. Make into 
an infusion for dropsy. 

ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA. 

Pleurisy Root, White Root. 

The toot is a relaxing agent, influencing chiefly the skin. 



asclepias. If,:: 

and mucous aud serous structures. 

Tn hot infusion in combination with some diffusive or 
stimulant or diffusive stimulant, as zingiber, it is a dia- 
phoretic of much importance. It influences a flow of blood 
toward the surface and relaxes the capillaries in the pro- 
ducing of good free diaphoresis. 

By itself it is of but little use. but with zingiber it is a 
most valuable agent. 

Asclepias Tub. 4 

Lobelia Infl. i 

Zingiber 1 

in hot infusion is excellent in bronchitis, pleuritis, peri- 
tonitis, pneumonia, acute catarrh, membranous croup, 
colds, &c. 

Asclepias 4 

Zingiber 1 

in hot infusion is an excellent fever powder for children or 
adults. If more positive stimulation is needed add capsi- 
cum in small proportion. 

Dr. F. O. Broady recommends the following mixture for 
fevers and says "I used it for five years in Chicago with 
great confidence:" 

Pulv. Asclepias Tub. .'{ 

" Pterospora And. 2 

' ; Cypripedium Pub. et 

Zingiber Jam, aa. H 

" Lobelia Inf. Fol. 1 

" Saccharum Album. 5 

M. Trit. Bene Dose 5 grs. every hour. 
When there is a teudency to decay or slough asclepias is 
not the proper article to be used. It is useful in tonsilitis 
rather than in diphtheria; in feverish and inflamed condi- 
tions rather than in congestions; and in cases possessing 
a sthenic rather than an asthenic pulse. 
Powd. Asclepias Tub. et 
" Solidago Can. aa. 4 

Zingiber Off. 1 

"■ Capsicum in proportion as needed. 
This is a most excellent formula for la grippe given free- 
ly in hot infusion; also in typhoid and bilious fevers. I 
use some such preparation from beginning to end of the 
fever stage. In preparing this compound I use more ascle- 
pias toward the first and more of the capsicum as the case 
progresses, if needed. 



164 ASPIDITJM. 

Asclepias and Zingiber is a most excellent compound in 
all the eruptive diseases. Capsicum may be added to suit. 
It is also important in dysentery and diarrhoea, uteritis. 
urethritis, cystitis and nephritis, and in irritable condi- 
tions of the nervous system. 
In dysmenorrhoea or amenorrhoea, give in hot infusion. 
Powd. Asclepias Tub. 4 

" Zingiber Jam. 1 * 

" Caulophyllum Th. 2 

It is antispasmodic and increases the periodic discharge. 
Powd. Asclepias Tub. 4 

" Zingiber Off. 1 

" Mentha Vir. 2 

This influences the kidneys and secures a good free flow 
of urine. 

ASPIDIUM FELIX-MAS. 

Male Fern . Europe. 

The root is anthelmintic. It is an old-time remedy for 
tape worm, but is not always certain. A few hours subse- 
quent to the administering of this agent free catharsis 
should be secured. Repeat if found necessary in two or 
three days. It may be given in the form of infusion or in 
capsules upon an empty stomach. 

The oil may be used for the same general purposes, 
(rive i to 1 dr. in some emulsion. 

ASPARAGUS OFFICINALIS. 
Asparagus- 

The root is a pleasant diuretic. It should be used in 
the green state as the dry root is nearly inert. 

The young shoots are an excellent food as well as a de- 
mulcent diuretic. 
Gruaiacum Off. et 
Asparagus Off. et 

Petroselinum Sat. Sem. aa. grs. xxx 
Viburnum Op. grs. Lx 

to the fluid oz. 

Give according to the severity of the pain in cases of 
dysmenorrhoea, leucorrhoea, and as a preventive of miscar- 
riage. 

ASTER CORDIFOLIUS. 

Starwort. 

The root is a very mild, aromatic stimulant. In hot in- 



A VENA. 165 

fusion it influences the circulation and with it the nervous 
system. It allays irritation, soothes and tones. In 
rheumatism and hysteria it may be used with good effect. 
If combined with zingiber it will be valuable in dysmen- 
orrhoea. With mitchella repens it will be excellent in 
hysteria and be rendered more toning to the nerves. 

ASTER PUNICENS. 
Cocash Root. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends this for rheumatic head- 
ache, and as - a suitable agent to be used in proper combina- 
tion with other agents for nervous debility. 

ASTRAGALUS VERTS. 
G i tin Tragacanth . 

This is used but little as a medicine, except in the manu- 
facture of pills, troches and suppositories. 

A VENA SATIVA. 
Oats. 

This is a soothing, demulcent, gently stimulating, nutri 
tious nervine tonic. 

In cases of irritability of the nerves or a deficiency of 
nerve power avena is valuable. In the irritability result- 
ing from nervous prostration, from paralysis, from the use 
of opium, or alcohol, in chronic sick-headache, in chorea 
and in the irritation and depression resulting from dys- 
menorrhea. 

If given in hot water its effects are noticeably quicker. 
and its influence on the circulation more rapid and com- 
plete. 

In hysteria and for insomnia it is valuable, as well as in 
convalescence from many acute cases. It should be used 
at short intervals to maintain its cumulative force. 

With helonias dioica, aletrisfarinosa or mitchella repens 
it is an excellent nervine tonic for females, especially 
where there is a tendency to excessive flow and more or 
less during pregnancy, especially by those who are weakly, 
anaemic and nervous. 

With hydrastia sulphate it is excellent in nervous dys- 
pepsia. 

Hydrastia Sulph. 1 

Avena Sat. 10 

Podophyllin Sacch. 20 



J6fi 



BALSAMODENDEOX. 



This is a nervine tonic hepatic. 
F. E. Leptandra Virg. et 
'' Euonymous At. et 
" A vena Sat. aa. dr. ii 

Taraxacum Dens L. dr. iv 
Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good nervine hepatic. 
Helonias Dio. 3 

Viburnum Op. 4 

Dioscorea Vil. 5 

A vena Sat. 6 

This is an excellent female tonic. 

BALSAMODENDRON MYRRH A. 
Gum Myrrh. (Commiphora My rrha.) 

Abyssinia. Arabia. 
This yum is a slow, mild, stimulating, antiseptic tonic. 
It gives a pleasant gastric warmth, and stimulates the 
circulation in assisting a flow of blood toward the capil- 
laries, especially when given in hot infusion. Locally it is 
an excellent application on ulcers and foetid sores, as a gar- 
gle in diphtheria, as a wash in sore mouth, and as a powder 
applied to the umbilicus of the infant immediately after 
the removal of the cord. In all these cases it assists in 
removing foul odors and arrests putrefaction: 

With hydrastia sulphate it is excellent in gastric ca- 
tarrh. 

Pul. Balsamodendron M. grs. x 

Hydrastia Sulphate • grs. ii 

Ferri et Potas. Tartr. grs. xx 

Syr. Zingiberis oz. i 

Aqua q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good tonic for a relaxed and debilitated stom- 
ach, water brash, anaemic dyspepsia and chronic enteralgia. 
F. E. Balsamodendron M. et 
" Cypripedium Pub. aa. dr. iv 

" Xanthoxylum Frax. gtt. xx 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This is an antiseptic, diffusive tonic to the circulation 
and the nervous system. 

F. E. Myrrh oz. iv 

Tr. Capsicum dr. ii 

Syr. Simplex oz. i 

Or 



BAPTIST A. 161 



Pul. Myrrh oz. xvi 

" Capsicum oz. i 

Alcohol 60 per cent. oz. Lxiv 

Sugar lbs. 4 to 



Or 



Pul. Myrrh oz. iv 

" Capsicum dr. ii 

Sugar oz. i 

Triturate. 

Either of these preparations will constitute No. 6. The 
last maybe denominated Saccharated No. 6. This is a 
fine formula and a valuable stimulating antiseptic. I al- 
ways use a few drops of No. 6 in some water a few r times 
before administering an anaesthetic. It sustains the heart, 
and steadies the nerves, and frequently your patients will 
come out from anaesthesia with a fuller and better pulse 
than when you began. 

One drop in a little water, repeated as needed, is an 
excellent parturient. It equalizes the circulation, sustains 
the contractions, relieves irritability and anticipates flood- 
ing. But do not give it or any other stimulant unless 
needed. In shock from injury there is nothing better. 

Dr. F. O. Broady advises the following formula for 
Tincture Myrrh which will mix with water without precip- 
itation. It is valuable and practical: 



Pul. Gum Myrrh 


1 lb. 


Alcohol 


1 qt. 


Glycerine 


13 oz. 


Water 


16 oz. 


Carbonate of Potash 


3* oz. 


M. Macerate for 2 to 4 weeks with 


Gum Myrrh 


oz. | 


Gum Guaiacum 


oz. i 


Gum Camphor 


oz. i 


Oil Capsicum et 




Oil Anise 


aa. dr. ss 


Alcohol 50 per cent. q. 


s. 


This is recommended as a pain killer. 



shaking. 



BAPTISIA TINCTORIA. 
Wild Indigo. 

The root is a stimulating antiseptic alterative, especially 
influencing the glandular system. Wherever there is a 
retrograde tissue, a tendency to putrescence, the meta- 



168 BAROSMA. 

morphosis in typhoid fever, this agent holds a valuable 
position. 

In erysipelas an infusion given freely will soon reduce 
the inflammation. 
Baptisin et 
Pul. Sanguinaria aa 1 
Vaseline 3 to 4 

Apply this in cases of erysipelas or other inflamed ecze- 
mas. 

Baptisia may be used on all kinds of ulcers, sprinkled on 
the surface or made into an ointment or mixed with an 
elm poultice. It removes foul odors and assists in the 
reparative process. 

Baptisia is stimulating to the liver and to the bowels 
and in large doses is freely cathartic. In typhoid fever, in 
peritonitis, in puerperal fever, typhus fever, syphilis and 
gangrene it is very valuable, as also for a wash for mercu- 
rial sore mouth. The powdered drug in hot fomentation 
will give good results when applied upon scrofulous swell- 
ings or abscesses. In arresting putrescence balsamoden- 
dron myrrha will be a valuable addition. 

BAROSMA BETULINA AND CRENULATA. 
Buchu. South Africa. 

Buchu leaves are an aromatic, diffusive, stimulating, 
toning diuretic. The short leaves are superior to the long. 
ft chiefly influences the urinary tract, increasing the 
quantity of water excreted and cleansing and toning the 
urinary mucous membrane. It soothes the pelvic nerves 
aud relieves the aching back and hips and especially so 
when influenced in that direction by some uterine agent 
as mitchella repens or alteris farinosa; it then assists in 
toning the generative organs. 

In hot infusion it is somewhat diaphoretic and soothes 
the nerves and influences the mucous membrane through- 
out. In cystic catarrh, in congestic n of any of the pelvic 
organs, gleet, gravel, dropsy, prostatic affections, sperma- 
torrhoea and mucous discharges in the urine buchu will be 
of good service. 

F. E. Barosma C. 4 

" Eupatorium Purpur. 8 
" Hydrastis Can. 1 

Give of this three times a day, and use one of the follow- 
ing powders three times a day for ascites: 









BERBEIUs. 169 

Leptandrin gr. i 

Apocynin grs. iv 

Capsicum gr. £ 

With an excess of convallaria raul. you will have favor- 
able results in. leucorrhoea, With an excess of liriodendron 
or cypripedium it is an excellent nervine. 

Liriodendron Tul. 4 

Barosma C. 1 

This is a mildly stimulating nervine and diuretic. 

Cypripedium Pub. 6 

Barosma C. 1 

This is a relaxing nervine diuretic. 

Caulophyllum Th. 5 

Barosma 1 

This is an antispasmodic diureMc 

The following formula? are more or less stimulating diu- 
retics: 

Buchu 9 

Juniperus Com. 4 

Piper Cubeba et 

Sweet Spirits Nitre aa. It 

Buchu 4 

Juniperus Com. et 
Piper Cubeba et 
Arctostaphylos Uv. Urs. aa. 1 

Buchu 4 
Collinsonia Can. et 

Chondodendron Tom. aa. 1 

Juniperus Com. 2 



McCoy. Howe Co. prepare by direct percolation an elixir, 
an efficient and reliable diuretic and valuable in many ail- 
ments of the bladder and kidneys. 

Buchu grs. x 

Juniper Berries grs. v 

Uva-Ursi grs. v 

Acetate Potash grs. iii 

BERBERIS AQUIFOLIUM. 

Oregon Grape Hoot. 

This is a mildly .stimulating tonic hepatic and alterative. 
It influences the alvine mucous membrane and is mildly 
cathartic. In syphilis and other blood diseases especially 



170 BERBERIS. 

those which influence the genitals it gives excellent re- 
sults. 

BERBERIS VULGARIS. 
Barberry. 

The bark and leaves are intensely bitter, and form a 
good stimulating tonic hepatic and alterative; influencing 
the alvine mucous membrane, the kidneys, liver and spleen. 
It improves the appetite, digestion and assimilation, and 
is especially useful in debilitated conditions. It is mildly 
laxative to the bowels as well as hepatic and hence is valu- 
able in jaundice. 

It may be added to other alteratives with excellent re- 
sults. 

In small doses it is a valuable tonic in convalescence, and 
is of especial value in bilious attacks. The following form- 
ula is excellent for debilitated and bilious cases: 
Berberis Yulg. 1 

Populus Trem. 2 

Prunus Virg. 3 

Acetum q. s. 

BETA VULGARIS RUBRUM. 
Red Beet. 

This is a much used vegetable. When cooked it forms a 
delicious dish. 

The fresh juice of the red beet has many a time cured 
thrush, and relieved irritated conditions of the mouth and 
throat. It is soothing and stimulating to the entire alvine 
mucous membrane. 

BETONICA OFFICINALIS. 
Wood Betony. (Betonica Lanceolata.)(Stachys Betonica.) 
This is a gently stimulating tonic to the mucous mem- 
brane and is valuable in catarrhal conditions, whether of 
the nose, stomach or bladder. It is useful in the treat- 
ment of la grippe, gastralgia, neuralgia, hysteralgia, pros- 
tatitis, pruritus, varicocele, dyspepsia, chronic rheuma- 
tism, malarial jaundice, syphilis, scrofula, and renal and 
nephitic colics, and onanism. 
Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following for sciatica: 
Elix. Betonica Lane et 
" Cimicifuga aa. oz. iss 

" Helonias Dio. et 



BIDENS. 171 

Scutelaria Lat. aa. oz. i 
Sig. One teaspoonful every two or three hours and use 
hot sponge baths to the parts affected. 

Dr. Hoener also recommends the following for peritonitis: 
Elix. Betonica Lane, et 
" Agrimonia Eup. aa. oz. iss 

" Aralia Rac. oz. i 

Sig. One tablespoonful every two hours. 
He also recommends the following for phrenitis: 
Elix. Betonicji Lane. oz. ii 

" Citnicifuga Rac. et 
" Verbena Hast. aa. oz i 

M. S. One tablespoonful every thirty minutes to one 
hour with mustard bath, and keep the bowels open with 
enema ta. 

BETULA LENTA. 
Black Birch. 

The bark is ji mild relaxing and stimulating nervine. 
In hot infusion it promotes diaphoresis. 

It soothes the gastric membrane, relieves nausea and 
tones the mucous membrane. 

The letices are somewhat more diuretic and are very 
soothing to the entire urinary apparata in case of renal or 
cystic irritation or inflammation. They are cleansing to 
the mucous membrane, and in hot infusion produce 
diaphoresis. 

BIDENS BIPINNATA. 
Spanish Needles. 

The seeds are a mild diffusive stimulant, very slightly 
astringent, influencing especially the mucous membrane 
and the circulation, and thence the nervous system par- 
takes of its influence when administered in hot infusion. 
In this form they are also valuable in dysmenorrhoea. 

With aralia racemosa it is a valuable expectorant. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says it has proven itself to be a specific 
] or hay asthma. 

BIGNONIA CATALPA. 
Catalpa Tree. 

The bark is a bitter stimulating tonic, especially influ- 
encing the mucous membrane. In hot infusion it influ- 
ences the circulation and induces a good outward flow of 



172 BISMUTHUM. 

blood, and also soothes and tones the nerves. 

Combined with other agents especially alterative in 
character it is valuable in syphilis, in scrofula and some 
eczemas. 

The seeds are more demulcent and are valuable in cough 
syrups. It relaxes the respiratory mucous membrane and 
is a good expectorant. 

The leaves in hot infusion form a good preparation for 
colds, coughs, and may be used as a hot fomentation upon 
swellings, abscesses, &c. 

BISMUTHUM. 
Bismuthi Subnitras. 

This is a very mildly stimulating and soothing astrin- 
gent. It is valuable in irritations of the gastric and in- 
testinal mucous membrane. It soothes the membrane and 
relieves irritation. It relieves the nausea of pregnancy 
and the irritation of gastritis and the intestinal irritation 
of cholera infantum. It is also successful in the treat- 
ment of ulcerous sore mouth, and for diarrhoea and dysen- 
tery. 

Applied locally as a powder it is splendid for the relief 
of the chafing of children. 
Iodoform 
Bismuthi Sub. 
in equal parts is good to fill syphilitic ulcers. 

BISMUTHI SALYCILAS. 

Bismuthi Saly. 1 

Fuller's Earth 4 

This makes one of the most soothing and the most rap- 
idly healing of baby powders. It is my favorite. I have 
cured cases in a few days with this powder that have baf- 
fled other physicians for months. 

It is also an excellent application in cases of pruritus 
vulva and in cases of eczemas or other irritations of the 
skin. 

BRUNFELS1A HOPEANA. 
Manaca. Brazil. 

In Brazil manaca is regarded as a specific for the cure of 
rheumatic affections. The results obtained have been 
good. The fluid extract may be used or the elixir which 
combines also the virtues of the salycilates of sodium. 



CALENDTI A. 173 

potassium and lithium, and is hence valuable in the treat- 
ment of lithic diathesis. 

Manaca et 

Syr. Simplex aa. oz. ii 

Sig. Teispoonful every three hours in the treatment 
of rheumatism. 

CAFFEA ARABICA. 

Coffee. 

Coffee is a cerebral stimulant, largely u<ed as a beverage. 
It is stimulating to the nerves and tonic to the muscular 
systems. Tt stimulates the circulation and is more or less 
of a tonic diuretic. Tf taken late at night it is apt to pro- 
duce sleeplessness by its cerebral stimulation. In the 
morning it assists digestion. 

This is a stimulating nervine which disposes to wakeful- 
ness, and is frequently used for the purpose of resisting 
the stupefying influence of alcohol and of opium. It stim- 
ulates the circulation and the digestive function. But 
care should be taken that when this is used as an article 
of diet that it be not used too strong, as a persistent use 
of any stimulant is apt to produce finally more or less de- 
pression and possibly dyspepsia. 

Ctiffehi does not appear to undergo any material change 
in the roasting process and is extracted unaltered from 
the roasted coffee. It stimulates the liver and promotes 
the secretion of bile. It is a stimulating nervine. 

Dr. J. O. Morrison recommends the following for head- 
ache: 

Caffein et 

Quinine et 

Salycilate of Sodium et 

Trit, Oil Capsicum aa. equal parts. 
Fill No. 2 capsules and give one or two as required. This 
is good to clear up the mind and brace up on. 

CALENDULA OFFICINALIS. 
Marigold. 

The flowers are a very mild diffusive stimulant. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation toward the 
surface and is diaphoretic. It is also a soothing antispas- 
modic nervine, and gently influences the menstrual flow. 
It is also useful as an alterative to cleanse the blood in 
strumous troubles. 

An infusion forms an excellent wash in ophthalmia and 



174 CALX. 

it may be made into an ointment for bruises and sprains. 
Used in cases of otorrhoea an infusion lessens the dis- 
charge, and applied to sores, ulcers, or wounds it cleanses 
the surface and promotes the process of granulation and 
healing. Even cancerous sores are much benefited by its 
use. 

CALX (Ca O). 
Lime. 

That derived from white marble or from oyster shells 
gives the purest lime. When cold it absorbs carbonic acid 
gas. Lime is quite alkaline and caustic, but when hy- 
drated or slacked it is much less caustic. When an excess 
of lime is mixed with water it is called milk of lime. 

Liquor calcis or lime water is a mild ant-acid, slightly 
astringent. It is made by slacking £ ounce of lime in one 
pint of water. Allow this to stand an hour. Then pour 
off and retain the sediment to which add one gallon of 
water and bottle for use. This preparation neutralizes 
the acid present and absorbs the carbonic acid gas arising 
from fermentation. 

Lime Water 2 

Linseed Oil 1 

thoroughly mixed forms a covering for burns, scalds and 
denuded surfaces. 

Calcii chloridum Ca O, CI is a compound resulting 
from the action of chlorine on hydrate of lime containing 
at least twenty-five per cent, of chlorine. It is a valuable 
disinfectant. 

Potassa cum calce forms an officinal caustic. 

Sulphas calcis or plaster of Paris is used much in sur- 
geiy. 

Sufphis calcis 1-10 grain doses 4 to 6 times daily will 
usually stop the continuance of boils. 

Creta JPrwparata. Prepared chalk is a good quality of 
chalk (carbonate of lime) powdered, hydrated and thor- 
oughly triturated. The water is then poured off and the 
precipitate dried. 

This is principally applied to the surface, either as a 
powder or incorporated into a salve, or compounded with 
liquids or oils for covering burns. The powder is an excel" 
lent absorbent and is very soothing to an irritated surface. 



CAPSELLA. 17") 

MAXELL A ALBA. 
Canella. 
The bark is a moderately stimulating aromatic. 
It warms the gastric membrane and influences the blood 
toward the capillaries especially when given in hot infu- 
sion. It is a good adjuvant for bitter medicines and is 
principally used for this purpose. 

CAPSELLA BCBSA-PASTOKIS. 
Shepherd's Purse. 

This h&rb is mildly relaxing and gently stimulating to 
the kidneys and urinary tract. It increases the flow of 
urine and relieves atonic and sluggish conditions. It is 
quite prompt in the relief of the aching back and of the 
irritated urethra in cases of scalding urine. It is quite 
efficient in the relief of renal catarrh. It allays nervous 
irritability, irritable spermatorrhea. Directly or indi- 
rectly it is beneficial to the whole pelvic viscera, and is 
one of the best agents to be used for irritable conditions of 
these parts. It is more stimulating than eupatorium pur- 
pureum, but not near so stimulating as juniperus commu- 
nis or barosma crenulata. 

Concentrated Tincture Shepherd's Purse (from the green) 
as made by C. T. Bedford, is a strong tincture, of a rich 
brown color, made from the green herb, 8 ounces to the 
pint, and represents all the virtues of this valuable agent 
for urinary troubles. 

CAPSICUM FASTIGIATUM 
Capsicum,, Bed Pepper. Africa. New Mexico. 

The fruit is a most positive, pungent stimulant. It is 

an excellent antiseptic and is very nutritious. It is the 
most powerful and persistent hearL stimulant known. It 
increases arterial force, enlarges its calibre and slightly 
increases its frequency. Its influence is permanent and 
reaches every organ through its primary influence upon 
the circulation— the heart first, then the arteries, the cap- 
illaries and the nerves. 

Its constituents are extractive and oleaginous. Alcohol 
holds the gum in solution. This alcohol maybe evapo- 
rated which leaves the extractive gum. which is excellent 
when triturated on sugar. If you allow the tincture to 
settle you will observe two grades of tincture: the upper is 



176 CAPSICUM. 

light colored and is best as a rubefacient. 
Tr. Capsicum et 
Oil Cinnamon et 

Oil Cloves aa equal parts. 

This is an intense stimulant needed only perhaps in ex- 
treme cases. 

The lower half of the tincture is more or less filled with 
extractive and is not best for liniment purposes, as the 
gum is not absorbed and it flies around the room and 
causes the patient to cough. 

Capsicum by itself is not very diffusive. It is quite local 
in its influence, but is gradually permeating. 

Lobelia* renders it much more diffusive and this com- 
pound is a much better application for colds, chills, con- 
gestions, congestive chills, pneumonia, rheumatism, neu- 
ralgia, sciatica, lumbago, pleurisy, peritonitis, uterine and 
ovarian congestion, congestion of liver, spleen, or kidneys. 
But by itself it is a valuable application in failing circula- 
tion, sinking spells, dysentery, bilious colic, cholera infan- 
tum, paralysis, diphtheria, aphonia, gastric catarrh, gan- 
grene and typhoid fever. The tincture made of 
Pul. Capsicum oz. i 

Alcohol 98 per cent. oz. xvi 

is an excellent preparation for application where and when 
needed. The powder may be made into a poultice or pre- 
pared in a pad form and applied to the surface where 
needed. In this way also the capsicum may be combined 
with such agents as leptandra and apocynum and. for the 
liver, and occasionally moistened with the fluid extracts. 
With more relaxing agents the pad may also be used for 
sciatica and for ovarian troubles. 

In cases of severe congestions capsicum may be added to 
a water bath very profitably. 

In nervous depression capsicum given in very small doses 
is very sustaining. Given with medicines that influence 
the alvine canal, it increases catharsis, prevents griping, 
and assists in relieving rectal paralysis. 

In old ulcers lobelia and capsicum may be used. Put in 
enough to get up a good circulation. 
Oil Capsicum gtt. i 

Aqua dr. i 

may be used in cases of ulceration of the cornea. 
Tr. Capsicum et 
Spts. Camphor aa. 5 



CAPSICUM. 


Gum Camphor 


2 


Alcohol 


3 


Aqua 


10 


Tr. Capsicum 


oz. i 


Spts. ' amphor 


07,. f 


Tr.Guaiacum 


oz. i 


Alcohol 45 per cent. 




Oil Capsicum 




" Sassafras 




' ; Origanum 




" Horsemint 




" Cedar 


aa. dr. i 


Alcohol 


qt. i 


These are excellent stimulating liniments, 


the last mentioned. 




Internally capsicum may 


be taken in infusk 



IT 



especially 



in muci- 
lage, in syrup, in fluid extract in water, or the oil may be 
triturated in sugar or lactin and given. Give small doses 
frequently and wait for the cumulative results. Large 
doses may produce hiccough and cramping. 

In all putrescent stages whether of typhus or typhoid 
fever, in diphtheria, scarlatina malignans, erysipelas, gan- 
grene and wherever there is absorption of pus, capsicum 
must be given in quantities to meet the conditions present. 
In all such cases the result will be a lessened frequency of 
the pulse and its volume, force and firmness will be in- 
creased. It is a most powerful antiseptic and may be used 
more or less in gonorrhoeal, syphilitic and mercurial poi- 
soning. It is of importance in torpor, sluggishness and 
loss of sensibility, but for permanence of action it is best 
to combine it with tonics. 

In typhoid fever with hepatics and hydrastis it sustains 
the portal circulation and increases the power and value of 
the hepatics used; and with diuretics its influence in that 
direction will also be quite marked. 

In yellow fever, cholera, shock of injury and where there 
are cold and clammy sweats capsicum is an agent of much 
importance. 

Capsicum with lobelia is a most excellent antispasmodic. 
With nervines it is valuable in delirium tremens. With 
diffusives and hepatics it will do good service in ague-cake, 
and applied locally it will give good results in case of 



178 CAPSICUM. 

habitually cold feet, gastritis, enteritis, and cystitis. If 
the application of capsicum gives much burning sensation 
use over the surface some lard or other oil. 

As a rule increase the dose of capsicum as vitality de- 
creases. 

Do not forget its excellent service as a parturient and as 
a preventive to post-partem hemorrhage. 

In diphtheria and scarlet fever it is valuable as a gargle 
or to be used with th'e atomizer and to be taken internally. 
Powd. Myrrh et 
" Hydrastis Can. aa. oz. ii 
" Capsicum et 
k ' Chloride of Sodium aa oz. i 
" Solidago Can. oz. iv 

Acetum q. s. oz 32 

This forms an acetous tincture which for diphtheria, 
scarlatina and some other forms of weak and sore throat 
aannot well be surpassed. It may be used as a gargle or 
with the atomizer, or the ingredients may be used in infu- 
sion and some acetum added. With that which is to be 
swallowed use no vinegar; and that which is to be used as 
a gargle prepare as above. Then apply a strong tincture 
of capsicum over the tonsils externally. 
Oil of Capsicum dr. i 

Alcohol oz. iv to vi ii 

This is a good rubefacient. 

The dose of th»* oil of capsicum is 1-10 to 1 drop tritu- 
rated on sugar or lactin and thence dissolved in water. 

A very little capsicu n renders quinine a much bitter 
antiperiodic. 

Dr. F. (). Broady recommends the following as a sure 
cure for chills: 

Pulv. Capsicum grs. x 

Quinia Sulph. grs. xx 

Pulv. Myrica Cerif 

'• Hydrastis Can. a a. oz. i 

Ol. Sassafras gtta. xxx 

M. Trit. bene, ft. eht. No. 20 for an adult. 
Sig. One powder in cold water 3 times a day before the 
chill, preceded by an active cathartic. This recipe is reli- 
able but the dose is a little large. 
Ol. Capsicum 
" Origanum 
"Abies 



CAPSICUM. 179 

" Sassafras aa. 1 

" Olives 2 

Alcohol 32 

This is a powerful stimulating liniment. 
Tr. Capsicum dr. ii 

" Myrrh 
F* E. Xanthoxylum Fr. 
•' Hydrastis Can. 
" Cypripedium Pub. aa. dr. i 
'• Hemlock dr. ss 

" Myrica dr. ii 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This may be termed a cholera mixture, and may be used 
in proper proportions where such a stimulating preparation 
is needed. 

Tr. Capsicum oz. iiss 

Oil Sassafras dr. ii 

•• Hemlock 

" Origanum aa. dr. i 

This is a stimulating liniment for application when 
much stimulation is needed. 
Tr. Capsicum 

F. E. Lobelia Intl. aa. ltt 

Ol. Wormwood 
" Rosemary 

" Spearmint aa. 1 

This is excellent for sprains, bruises, rheumatism or 
neuralgia. 

Tinct, Myrrh Compound. (No. 6) is a reliable and super- 
ior article made from the best quality of gum myrrh and 
Zanzibar capsicum is always in stock by C. T. Bedford. 

Oil capsicum made from purest Zanzibar capsicum will 
not dissapoint you when you want stimulation in concen- 
trated form. That sold by C. T. Bedford is made according 
to Prof. Davidson's formula foi making oils. 
Powd Myrrh 2 

" Capsicum 1 

Alcohol 16 

Sugar 8 

This is Saccharated No. 0. Without the sugar it is the 
ordinary No. 6, one of the preparations of the immortal 
Dr. Samuel Thompson. In suspended animation from 
any cause No. 6 may be injected hypodermically with most 
excellent results. The giving of a few drops diluted with 



180 CARBO. 

water is an excellent preparation for anaesthesia; if needed 
it may be injected hypodermically to assist in resuscita- 
tion. 

CARBENIA BENEDICTA. 

Blessed Thistle- (Centaurea Benedicta.) 

The leaven are a relaxing diaphoretic when given in hot 
infusion. They are somewhat stimulating and will induce 
nausea and vomiting. Its relaxing influence is well felt by 
all the secernents and the alvine mucous membrane and 
while it is emetic, it also proves hepatic and cathartic, 

In cold infusion it is much like eupatorium perfoliatum, 
a worthy tonic for billious conditions, and may be used 
with profit in remitting and intermitting fever. 

Menispermum Can. 

Carbenia Ben. aa equal parts, 

or Smilax and Carbenia in equal parts, or Stillingia and 
Carbenia in equal parts are good alterative compounds. 

Carbenia 1 

Mitchella repens 2 

forms a good preparation for females with pelvic weakness 
and constipation 

Carbenia Ben. 

Aralia Rac. 

Symphytum Off. in equal parts, in Syr. Prunus is a 
good expectorant especially when hepatic torpor is present. 

CARBO. 
Carbo Animalis or animal charcoal is used for deodor- 
izing purposes. 

Carbo Ligni or wood charcoal it best for medical purposes 
and is used chiefly for absorbing gases. Slowly it absorbs 
carbonic acid gas from the air till it is replete, but heat 
will drive that carbonic acid gas off again. In order to 
keep carbon pure it must be kept tightly corked. It is an. 
antiseptic and an absorbent of gasses. 
Internally it may be used in dyspepsia where there is foul 
breath and gaseous eructation, with flatus and pains there- 
from, also in water brash, nausea and vomiting. It is best 
given in capsules in doses of from to two five grains taken 
one hour after meals. 

Powd. Charcoal 50 

" Myrrh 10 

" Capsicum 1-20 



CARUM. 181 

Hydrastia Sulphate 1 

This given in capsules is excellent in the treatment of fer- 
mentative dyspepsia. Charcoal may be applied dry 
on the surface of an ulcer before applying a poultice. It 
arrests decomposition and deodorizes. 

CARTI1AMUS TINCTORIUS. 
Safflower. 

The flowers are a family remedy to be used in measles. 
In hot infusion they are a moderately relaxing diaphoretic 
influencing the circulation toward the surface. In strong 
infusions it colors the urine and faeces. 

CARUM CARYL 

Caraway. 

The seed, the oil or the fluid extract are mainly used 
as an aromatic adjuvant in the administering of hepatics 
and cathartics. They are gently stimulating. 

CARUM COPTICUM. 

Ajowan, Bishop's Weed. East India. 

This is an old remedy in India where it is much used and 
much cultivated. 

The fruit or ajava seed is an aromatic, diffusive, stim- 
ulating tonic influencing chiefly the mucous membrane 
imparting a warming pungent taste. It contains an oil that 
much resembles thymol, and the fruit is now largely im- 
ported into various parts of Europe for the manufacture of 
that article. The seeds somewhat resemble those of parsley. 

A poultice of the crushed seed is said to relieve pain when 
applied in case of neuralgia, rheumatism 01 inflammations. 

A weak infusion makes a good wash in case of inflamma- 
tions or congestions of the eye or conjunctiva. 

A hot infusion may be used successfully in cholera mor- 
bus and in some cases of gastralgia andenteralgia, especial- 
ly when from congestion. 

Its influence upon the nervous system is soothing and 
stimulating. 

To the dipsomaniac the bitter taste, the pleasant warmth 
it imparts to the stomach and its soothing and toning 
influence over the nervous system, removes that unpleas- 
ant gnawing so well known to him. 



182 CASSIA. 

CARUM PETROSELINUM. 
Parsley. (Apium Petroselinum ) 

The root and seed are an aromatic relaxant and mildly 
stimulating diuretic increasing the urinary flow and giv- 
ing relief to the aching back. When the urine is scanty, 
this makes a valuable addition in the treatment of dropsy. 

The fluid extract may be used for all the purposes of the 
plant. 

CARYA ALBA. 

Shag-bark Hickory. 

The middle bark of the trunk when fresh is quite acrid. 
The dry bark is a permanent bitter stimulating tonic. It 
is quite warming to the stomach, slightly elevating to the 
circulation and stimulating to the gall cyst and ducts. A 
strong infusion is an excellent antiperiodic in chronic ague 
Given in strong decoction a tablespoonful five or six times a 
day is very efficient as an antiperiodic. 

Where there is a strong uterine or pulmonary hemor- 
rhagic diathesis this agent is successful. 

It also forms a good cough syrup, and at the same time 
influences the appetite, and tends the whole system to gen- 
eral improvement. In languid conditions with soft slug- 
gish pulse and torpid secernents it brings good results. 
Carya Alba 1 

Taraxacum D. L. 2 
forms a very serviceable combination for chronic billious- 
ness and jaundice. 

CARYOPHYLLUS AROMATICUS. 

Cloves. (Eugenia Aromatica.) 

The buds are a stimulating aromatic. The oil is a diffu- 
sive stimulant. It is an ordinary remedy for toothache and 
is frequently used as a specific for an offensive breath. Jt 
is principally used as an adjuvant to bitter tonics. 

CASSIA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 

Senna. (Cassia Acutifolia.) 

The root, leaves and pods are a prompt stimulating 
cathartic. It is antibillious, antiperiodic and tonic. Ca- 
tharsis is usually produced in two to four hours, thoroughly 
influencing intestinal peristalsis. Mentha piperita or zing- 



CASSIA. 188 

iber prevent griping. Small doses may be continued ful- 
some time without tiring the system. 
Powd. Cassia A ng. 4 

" Ipomea Jal. 8 

" Zingiber I 

This is an excellent anti bilious physic. It may be given 
in such doses as may be required by the conditions present. 
If quick catharsis is needed give a large dose and have the 
patient recline and keep quiet. It will thoroughly cleanse 
the alvine canal in two or three hours, and will assist in 
relieving engorgement of the liver and gall ducts. But 
should you desire its action less upon the alvine canal and 
more upon the liver give small doses every three hours. I 
have aborted many a case of tonsilitis by a large d<>se of 
this compound, and in diphtheria and many other acute 
cases where the bowels are constipated this is my first dose. 
I have treated successfully many a case of typhoid fever 
with no other hepatic than this compound in small doses 
every 3 hours. It stimulates and cleanses the alvine mu- 
cous membrane. 

In jaundice where the overflow is not from gall stone it 
gives good success. In all eruptive diseases you will find 
a less virulent course and a more favorable termination by 
the use of a good dose of this compound in the beginning. 
In the treatment of chronic constipation there are few 
compounds that will do their work more completely and of 
which the system will become less weary. At first give 
dose sufficient to procure a complete evacuation, then give 
smaller doses and gradually decrease the frequency and 
quantity. And during the time of this temporary treat- 
ment strive to educate the system to habitual regularity. 
n In the treatment of remittents and intermittents this 
compound is very important: regulate the doses as required 
to keep the alvine canal free, but not too free. Many a 
case may be aborted by the use of this compound, taken in 
time. Cassia is an excellent antiperiodic. Many a time a 
good size dose of antibilious physic will anticipate and 
prevent a chill and frequently will do it more permanently 
than quinine. It will certainly prevent the necessity for 
giving so much quinine as would otherwise be required. 
In giving large doses of this compound let the patient re- 
cline for an hour. This will usually prevent nausea and 
vomiting which may otherwise occur. It may be given in 
capsule or in fluid extract form, but neither are so ^ood. 



184 CAULOPHYLLUM. 

A dose of the compound should usually be given after the 
use of anthelmintics. Small doses given every three hours 
will soon relieve hemorrhoids and frequently prevent their 
recurrence. 

In case of constipation either acute or chronic this com- 
pound may be given in suitable doses to infants. 

Dr. C. B. Riggs' antibilious compound is as follows: 
Powd. Senna 



Jalap 


aa. oz. i 


Ginger 




Mandrake 


aa. oz. ss 


Sanguinaria 


oz. i 



Mix. Sig. No. 1 capsule two or three times daily. This 
is a splendid cathartic and strongly influences the liver. 
It will be found useful especially in sluggish cases. 

CASTA NEA DEN TAT A. 

Chestnut. (Castanea Vesca.) 

The leaves are a mild, stimulating, astringent tonic. 
This is a home remedy for whooping-cough, but is not so 

successful alone as in combination with the acetous syrup 

of lobelia. 

CASTELA NICHOLSON1. 

Chaparro Ainargoso. 

This is a thorny shrub indiginous to Texas and Mexico. 

The bark of the stem is an intensely bitter stimula* ing 
and astringent tonic, antiperiodic and antiseptic. 

By the people among whom it grows it is considered a 
specific in the treatment of acute and chronic dysentery 
and diarrhoea, and of remitting fever. Let an infusion be 
given plentifully and it seems never to fail. 

It influences the mucous membrane, improves digestion, 
tones the alvine mucous membrane, soothes and tones the 
nerves, relieves insomnia and builds up the general system. 

CAULOPHYLLUM TH AL1CTROIDES. 
Blue Cohosh. 

The root is a gently diffusive, relaxing and stimulating 
nervine and excellent antispasmodic especially in uterine 
irritations. Its principal influence is expended upon the 
generative system and tne sympathetic nervous system 
connected therewith, soothing each and imparting tone 
and vigor. 



CEANOTHUS. 185 

Tn amenorrhoea its influence is felt favorably, increasing 
the periodic flow. The addition of leonurus gives a more 
stimulating compound. In dysmenorrhea it is an excel- 
lent antispasmodic. In vaginitis its influence is good 
both per oram and per vaginam. In urethritis whether of 
the male or of the female, it prevents too frequent urinat- 
ing and soothes irritation. In the irritation of the 
nerves that frequently occurs during parturition and for 
false pains and the restlessness during pregnancy and for 
after-pains caulophyllum is superior. 

In acute rheumatism it gives ease, and it is valuable as 
an antispismolic for whooping-cough and asthmatic and 
catarrhal coughs. 

It may be added to aralia racemosa and prunus virgin i- 
ana or other agents used in cough syrups. 

In hysteria it allays nervous irritation but frequently 
needs such an addition as »cutelaria to furnish greater 
tonicity. 

It may be used in puerperal convulsions, as an antispas- 
modic and to assist in relieving the flow which is usually 
suspended at that time. 

Dioscorea VII. 3 

Caulophyllum Thai. 2 

Scutelaria 1 

may be used in cases of chorea, after-pains, nervousness 
during parturition, and with a little lobelia inflata it is 
excellent for rigidity of the os uteri. 

Caulophyllnm may be added in the treatment of an irri- 
tated stomach, and to the third preparation of lobelia for 
sick-headache. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends that the leaves be com- 
bined with asarum canadense and says that then it is a 
specific for whooping-cough. 
F. E. Caulophyllum Thai. 
Tr. Lobelia Inf. aa. dr. ii 

Syr. Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 

Use half a teaspoonful every two to four hours for bron- 
chial catarrh. The fluid extract quite fully represents the 
drug. 

CEANOTHUS AMEKICANUS. 

.New Jersey Tea. 

The root and 1<«r<s are a mildly stimulating tonic, 
quite soothing to the mucous membrane. 



186 CELASTRUS. 

It may be used to good advantage in diarrhoea,- and with 
aralia racemosa or other agents that especially affect the 
respiratory mucous membrane it is excellent in bronchitis 
and in the convalescent stage therefrom; also in pneumo- 
nia when the membrane is relaxed and weak and the dis- 
charge moderately free. 



F. E. Ceanothus Am. 




" Aralia Rac. 


aa. dr. ii 


" Symphytum Off. 


dr. i 


Syr. Prunus Virg. 


q, s. oz. iv 



This is an excellent cough syrup. 

Lobelia or sanguinaria in small quantities may be added 
as the mucous membrane may require. 

CELASTRUS SCANDENS. 
False Bitter- Sweet. 

The bark of the root is a mild, slow, relaxing and 
slightly stimulating alterant. It chiefly influences the 
secernents and the glandular system and the skin. It 
soothes the nervous system and is just in place when used 
in the treatment of nervous irritation with skin or gland- 
ular troubles, as in scrofula, glandular swellings, general 
struma. But its best influence is usually felt when com- 
bined with more stimulating agents especially when it is 
to be used for chronic cases. 



F. E. Celastrus Scan. 


dr. iii 


" Alnus Serul. 




" Stillingia Syl. 


aa. dr. i 


" Taraxacum D, L. 


dr. iv 


Syr. Zingiber 


q. s. oz. iv 


Celastrus Scan. 


30 


Menispermum Can. 


10 


Rumex Crisp. 


15 


Xanthoxylum Frax. Bac. 


1 


Syr. Zingiber 


q. s. 






These are good alterative compounds. 
Celastrus Scan. 

Arctium Sem. aa. equal parts 
may be used for a scaly skin. 

With agents that influence the genital organs its alter- 
ative influence is exerted upon the ovaries; and with diu- 
retics its chief influence is conveyed to the urinary organs. 
With aralia racemosa it influences the lungs; and with 



CEPH^LIS. 187 

hepatics it influences the liver. It is useful in syphilis 
and gonorrhoea, especially in the fever stage; and with 
agrimonia it soothes and strengthens the kidneys in cases 
of irritable spermatorrhoea. 

F. E. Celastrus Scan. oz. i 

Hydrastia Phos. grs. ii 

Ferri et Potas. Tartras grs. x 

Syr. Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good alterative for the alvine tract and will be 
found valuable in diabetes. 

Celastrus 3 

Helonias 1 

Eupatorium Purpur. 2 

gives favorable results in albuminaria. 

A hot infusion especially if combined with zingiber is 
felt more directly by the skin and surface circulation. It 
is also a good wash for a chaffy skin, and for scaly erup- 
tions. In cases of piles it slowly promotes absorption; 
and with caulophyllum it is quite relieving to epilepsy. 
With tallow orcosmoline it makes a good ointment suit- 
able for application to piles, rectal fissures, ulcers, gland- 
ular troubles, chaffy skin and scaly eruptions. 



Simple Cerate 




- 16 


F. E. Celastrus 




4 


Ol. Olives 




2 


Hydrastis Can. 




1 


Dissolve, strain and 


stir 


till cold. 


Celastrus Scan. 




4 


Mutton Tallow 




6 


•Cera Alba 




2 


Rosin 




1 


Simmer three hours 


, strain while hot and stir till cold. 



CEPH.ELIS IPECACUANHA. 
Ipecac. 

The root is a powerful and positive relaxant. It does 
not cause nausea so quickly as lobelia, but the nausea once 
produced is more persistent. It is frequently used in 
bronchitis, pneumonia or asthma in combination with 
other medicines that influence the bronchi or lungs and 
freely increases expectoration. Given with diaphoretics 
in hot infusion it increases diaphoresis. 

If you want to make a drunken man sick of liquor give 



188 CERA. 

him a glass of liquor with a dose of ipecac in it. For a 
time it creates a disgust, and it will soon straighten him 
up. 

In a majority of cases the influence of lobelia is to be 
preferred to that of ipecac, though the wine of ipecac gives 
favorable results in the preventing of membranous croup. 

CEPHALANTHUS OCCIDENTALS. 
Button Bush. 

The bark is a moderately stimulating tonic influencing 
chiefly the alvine mucous membrane and the secernents. 

In hot infusion it promotes diaphoresis. With eupato- 
rium purpureum it assists in diuresis. With helonias 
dioica, aletris farinosa or mitchella it influences the gen- 
erative organs, relieves the aching back, tones the uterus 
and vagina and increases the general tone and vigor of the 
whole system. With taraxacum or euonymous it influ- 
ences the liver, promotes digestion, increases appetite and 
is somewhat antiperiodic. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says it will remove hydro-pneumonia 
and chronic hydro-asthmatic spasms and thereby reduce 
swelling of the chest. 

CERA FLAYA AND ALBA. 
Beeswax. 

Cera Alba 3 

Cetaceum 1 

Ol. Olives 4 to 6 

This forms simple cerate, gently heated and then stirred 
till cold. 

Cera Flava 1 

Ol. Linum 2 

is a good application for swollen breasts. 

Borax 1 

Glycerine 5 

Cetaceum 

Cera Alba aa. 20 

Dissolve these and while cooling add 

Rose Water 30 

Oil Almonds 10 

Attar of Roses q. s. 

This is an admirable cold cream. 

Cera Flava 

Bos Taurus 



CERASTJS. 189 

Resina Pinus aa. oz. i 

Pul. Ulmus Fulva 

" Chionanthus aa. oz. iv 

01. Lini Usi. oz. xvi 

This is Dr. F. G. Hoener's salve for the instantaneous 

relief and radical cure of burns, scalds, wounds, boils. 

cuts, sores, ulcerated breasts, poison oak, tetter, poisonous 

insect bites, and syphilitic, gangrenous or scrofulous sores. 

CERASTIUM VULGATUM. 
Chickweed. 

This herb is a soothing, stimulating and relaxing agent 
influencing the skin and mucous membrane. An infusion 
forms a valuable wash in some skin diseases of an inflamed 
character, rhus poisoning, erysipelas, inflamed and chafed 
surfaces, stomatitis and pharyngitis. A hot fomentation 
gives good results when applied to inflamed or swollen 
parts, abscesses, &c. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says either prepared as an ointment or 
as a wash this will cure any kind of erysipelas. 

CERASUS VIRG-INIANA. 

Choke Cherry. 

The bark is a mildly stimulating and relaxing tonic 
slightly astringent. It is antispasmodic and antiperiodic. 
It is very useful in the treatment of intermittents. Some 
claim that it is preferable to quinine as an antiperiodic; 
but like the latter it needs the addition of hepatic tonics. 
In general debility and indigestion this is quite a powerful 
tonic. In hysteria it gives very favorable results, as also 
in enuresis in weakly children. In spermatorrhoea it will 
be found to be one of the best agents. For coughs with 
excessive and weakening expectoration and in chronic 
diarrhoea, chronic dysentery and cholera infantum it tones 
the mucous membrane and gives very favorable results. 
In vaginal weakness and leucorrhoea it may be used both 
locally and constitutionally. 

CERCIS CANADENSIS. 
Judas- Tree. 

The leaves are a moderately stimulating, astringent 
tonic. Its chief influence is toward the mucous membrane 
and glandular system. It is valuable in scrofula when the 



190 • CERETJS. 

bowels are weak and inclined to diarrhoea or dysentery. 
Locally it forms a good wash for sores and swellings. 
Cercis Can. Cort. Rad. 3 

Populus Trem. Cort. 1 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends this in chronic diarrhoea 

CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS. 

Night-blooming Cereus. (Cactus Grand iflorus.)' 

(Cactus Mexicana.) 
* The flowers and stems applied locally are non-irritants. 
Per oram it accelerates the pulse, increases its fulness, ele- 
vates arterial tension and is truly a stimulating cardiac 
tonic. It is also stimulating to the spinal nerves and mo- 
tor centers. It is toning to the heart in simple dilatation 
and muscular atony from deficient innervation and nutri- 
tion without organic lesions. It is sustaining in valvular 
disease with dila'tation. In cardiac and general muscular 
relaxation with impaired nerve energy cactus is toning 
and strengthening to both heart and nerves. The irrita- 
ble alcoholic and tobacco heart is sustained by its use and 
perhaps mainly by its stimulating the spinal motor centers 
and by its continuous stimulation of the heart's muscular 
action and thereby increasing its nutrition and develop- 
ment. Chewing tobacco may not produce organic disease 
of the heart, but it affects the gastric membrane and 
nerves; and in smoking, carbonic oxide, ammonia and nic- 
otine are inhaled. The ammonia acts on the blood and 
makes it alkaline and more fluid and hence impairs its 
nutritive properties. Tobacco leaves the stomach dyspep- 
sied and debilitated. The heart becomes weak, irregular 
and intermitting. Palpitation, pain, faintness and vertigo 
follow. Tissue is degraded, vision is more or less impaired, 
the hands become tremulous and there is a dragging feeling 
or pain in the region of the heart about the size of a silver 
dollar. 

Cereus may be used continuously without exciting any 
gastric irritation. Small doses of two to five drops repeated 
every fifteen to thirty minutes as long as needed will usu- 
ally give the best results, yet a teaspoonful may be given 
if required without any inconvenience or adverse symp- 
toms. Its action is favorable. It regulates the pulse, 
promotes diastole and diminishes peripheral resistance. 
In organic cardiac diseases, excluding arythenia, when 



CHAM.ELIRTUM. 191 

prompt action is desired and when other cardiac remedies 
fail cereus is a most effective agent. 

It is equally useful in functional tro lbles. regardless of 
cause, particularly of nervous origin. 

It may be taken before, during or after meals, but its 
influence is best on an empty stomach. 

Cereus is quite efficient in mitral and aortic insufficiency, 
in mitral stenosis and exophthalmic goitre, rheumatism, 
chorea and mild anaemia. 

CEREUS BONPLATsDIL 

This agent once considerably used is giving way to the 
use of cactus grandiflorus. Prof. H. J. Treat reports having 
used this agent for some years especially in iritic affections. 
In iritis and in irido-cyclitis and especially in that form 
known as sympathetic ophthalmia, that he has used it in 
seemingly hopeless cases: that it greatly allayed irritation 
and toned the parts. He pronounces it a specific in this 
condition 

I. E. Cereus Bonplandii oz. ss 
Aqua Dist. oz. iss 

Sig. One teaspoonf ul four times a day. before meals and 
before retiring. This dose may be increased if found nec- 
essary. It strengthens the heart and circulation, relieves 
the blood current of impurities and cleanses the mucous 
membrane. 

CETACEUM. 
Spermaceti* 
This is used as a basis for ointments. 
Cetaceum 1 

Ol. Linum 5 

Pul. Ulmus 2 

Rose Water 4 

Melt together and add the rose water, stirring till cold. 
This is an excellent preparation for burns, scalds, irritable 
sores, chapped hands and denuded sores and wounds. 

CHAM.EL1RIUM LCTEUM. 
Helonia*, False Unicorn. (Helonias Dioica.) 

The root is a positively stimulating uterine and ovarian 
tonic for all depressed conditions of these orgnns. It is 
useful in prolapsus uteri, uterine atony, barrenness, relaxed 
vagina, post-partem hemorrhage, excessive menstruation 



1 92 CHELIDO^IUM. 

and leucorrhoea. In cases of liability to miscarriage it is 
excellent. I have prevented scores of miscarriages by its 
use, even after pain was prominent and hemorrhage had 
made its appearance. It is a reliable agent. But this 
agent should not be given to weakly married ladies who 
are liable to very frequent pregnancies. 

It is also toning to the mucous membrane throughout. 
In gastric torpor and gastric irritation it soothes and tones 
the membrane, promotes* appetite and assists digestion. 
It is frequently tolerated by the stomach when but little 
else will, and hence is valuable during pregnancy as a 
gastric and uterine tonic. It is stimulating to the assimi- 
lative organs throughout 

It is al^o a stimulating diuretic of great value in albu- 
minaria and diabetes. It is stimulating and toning to the 
kidneys, bladder, uterus and urethra, and is serviceable in 
gleet. 

Helonin in 5 to 10 grain doses may be used with much 
advantage in Bright's disease. Helonias gives very favor- 
able results in enuresis. It is a toning and strengthening 
agent to the generative and urinary organs of both sexes. 

Its tonic properties are also well marked in the treat- 
ment of dyspepsia and for the expelling of the stomach 
worm. 

With aralia racemosa and agents of similar influence it 
acts on the bronchi as a stimulating expectorant and tonic. 

Helonias is best administered in small doses three to six 
times a day, but in cases of threatened miscarriage the 
fluid extract may be given in doses of from five to ten 
drops in water every fifteen minutes to one hour. 

Helonin is a good preparation and represents the drug 
quite fully. 
Helonin 

Viburnin aa. 24 

Dioscorein 4 

Avenin 12 

Caulophyllin 1 

This is a powerful uterine tonic. 

CHELIDONIUM MA JUS. 
Garden Celandine. 

This plant is bitter, rather acrid when green but not 
when dry, somewhat demulcent and stimulating to the 
mucous membrane. It proves cathartic and somewhat 



CHELONK. 19:5 

diuretic. In hot infusion it is diaphoretic and expecto- 
rant- In large doses it is nauseating. It exerts also a 
favorable influence upon the mesenteric and lymphatic 
glands and the skin. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following formulae 

Chelidonium Maj. (green root 

Glechoma Hedera^ea 

Chrysanthemum aa. equal parts 

for the curing of inflammation of the eyes, conjunctiva is, 
scaly eruptions and gonorrhoeal ophthalmia. He reports 
one case as having been blind by the last trouble, but by 
washing the eyes with an infusion of this agent three to 
rive times a day. in six weeks she could see as well as be- 
fore. 

CHELONE GLABRA. 
Bahnony 

The herb is a mild stimulating tonic to the mucous 
membrane. It stimulates the appetite and tones the 
stomach. It is excellent in the treatment of dyspepsia 
and may be used freely for atonic conditions. It influences 
the liver and is a moderately stimulating cholagogue. 11 
is chiefly through its action in this direction that it pro- 
duces moderate catharsis. The bile itself is a cathartic, 
hence when properly excreted it becomes a valuable assist- 
ant in the relief of chronic constipation. This influence 
also renders this agent of much service in the treatment 
of chronic jaundice. As a mild hepatic tonic it does well 
in convalescence from fevers and other diseases where the 
liver has been involved. In mal-assimilatiou it is one of 
our best agents, and it does excellent service in ridding 
the system of stomach worms. In general debility, at 
times accompanied with more stimulating agents chelone 
is one of the be.st for its general tonic influence. Indeed 
this makes chelone an excellent addition to most alter- 
atives, especially where there is much depression and 
hepatic torpor. 

Combined with diuretics its tonic powers are exerted in 
the direction of the kidneys; and in dropsy where there is 
chronic hepatic and gastric torpor the influence of chelone 
will give very favorable results. 

Combined with syr. juglans it will be found very service- 
able in chronic constipation, better than either agent by 
itself. 



104 CHIMAPHILLA. 

F. E. Chelone Glab. 
" Gentiana Och. aa. 3 

" Hydrastis Can. 1 

This is useful lor congestion of the liver. 

CHENOPODIUM ANTHELMINTICS M. 
.American Worwvseed. 

The oil in doses of ten to twenty drops on sugar or in 
some emulsion and followed by a cathartic is a vermifuge. 
Dr. G. H. Mayhugh recommends the following anthel- 
mintic preparation: 

Ol. Chenopodii gtt. xxx 

" Anise gtt. vi 

Sacch. Lac tin dr. i 

M. Trit. Fiat. Chart. No. 6. 

Sig. One or two powders every three hours. Follow at 
night by a cathartic. 

The oil of wormseed is also an emmenagogue and should 
not be used during pregnancy. 

An infusion of the leaves is a far more pleasant stimu- 
lating aromatic anthelmintic. A hot infusion may be 
used to relieve and increase the menstrual flow in case of 
cold, and the relief of dysmenorrhea incident to such cases. 

CHENOPODIUM BOTRYS. 
Jerusalem Oak. 

This is the foreign species but the properties are so near 
like the American that it needs no separate description. 

CHIMAPHILLA UMBELLATA. 
Pipsissewa. 

The leaven are a mild stimulating and relaxing alter- 
ative, influencing especially the glandular system, the 
lymphatics and secernents. 

As a good cleansing agent it carries off effete matter and 
relieves the liver, kidneys and skin. In scrofula it is one 
of the best agents. Use it quite freely. 

In phthisis and cancer it assists much in the relief of 
the blood current from impurities and waste material. 
Give it in large quantities if needed. In dropsy it relieves 
and tones the kidneys. In gonorrhoea it is soothing to the 
mucous membrane and cleansing to the blood current. In 
syphilis it is of no little importance, but in certain stages 
may have to be combined with more stimulating agents. 



CHRYSANTHEMUM. 195 

Jt is also useful in vaginal and uterine weakness, and in 
leucorrhoea; in rheumatism especially when it arises from 
some impurity of the blood; in cystic catarrh, spermator- 
rhoea, typhoid and other fevers; in urinary obstructions, 
and coughs and colds. It is valuable not only for its alter- 
ative influence but for its diuretic action in cleansing the 
mucous membrane of accumulated solids or mucous. Com- 
bined with uterine tonics it does well in leucorrhoea and 
gonorrhoea. 

In depressed and very debilitated cases it is best that 
more stimulating agents be added. 

Combined with syrup macrotys you have a good remedy 
for coughs and colds. 

Tt may be used in place of uva-ursi. The fluid extract is 
more astringent than the infusion. 

CHIONAXTHUK VI RC I NIC A. 
Fringe Tree. 

The bark of the root is a gent ly relaxing and stimulat- 
ing hepatic and alterative. It is rather bitter and influ- 
ences the liver, gall ducts and kidneys. These qualities 
make it a valuable antiperiodic, and is useful in typhoid, 
bilious and intermitting fevers, and in jaundice, hepatic 
torpor and constipation. 

Chio nan thus Virg. 

Euonymous At. aa. 10 

Podophyllin 1 

will be found to do you good service. 

CHONDODENDRON ToMENTOSUM. 
Pare ira Bra va . 

The root is a relaxing and very mildly stimulating diu- 
retic. It is useful in enlargement of the prostate and 
engorgement of the urethra from any cause. It mildly 
increases the urinary flow and cleanses the mucous mem- 
brane, and hence should be used in cases of cystic catarrh, 
gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, and in congestions of the mucous 
surlaces. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM LEUCANTHEMUM. 
Ox-eye Daisy. 

The flowers are relaxing and mildly stimulating to the 
circulation and in hot infusion prove diaphoretic. It also 
influences the mucous membrane and the nervous system. 



196 CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

They have a decided influence upon the uterus in the relief 
of congestions and in the promoting of the menstrual flow 
in dysmenorrhoea with scanty flow and especially so in 
cases where this is habitual. It is an excellent agent for 
the hysterical, especially if there be a foul stomach and 
nerve us tendency. This given freely in large doses, emesis 
will be a result, which will leave the nerves soothed and 
the whole system at rest, as well as the decided benefit of 
having the stomach well cleansed. 

Zingiber may be added if a diffusive be necessary in order 
to a free perspiration. 

Bilious cases need the extra use of hepatics, and consti- 
pation the addition of syr. juglans. 

In bilious fever after the tongue has been cleared chrys- 
anthemum may be used in convalescence. It is a mild 
somewhat bitter and good tonic to the mucous membrane. 

Hot fomentations may be used over the lungs, where 
relaxation and gentle stimulation is needed as in colds, 
bronchitis, pneumonia. Sometimes an acetous infusion 
inhaled will readily relieve a cold in the head or nasal pas- 
sages, and such vapor is very soothing to the throat and 
bronchi. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says this has proven to be a specific for 
night sweats. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM. 
Feverfew. 

This plant is a diffusive, mildly stimulating and relaxing 
and influencing the skin, nervous system, the circulation 
and the genito-urinary organs. 

In hot infusion it is diaphoretic and is excellent in 
equalizing the circulation and relieving the head, brain 
and nerves of pressure and excitement. So in pleuritis it 
relieves the hyperasmia present and reduces the inflamma- 
tory excitement. In parturition by equalizing the circula- 
tion the pains become more regular, the contractions firm- 
er and the rigid os uteri relieved of its tensity. In cases 
where the menses are suppressed from cold it quickly re- 
lieves the hyperemia present and the flow assumes its 
normal condition. Its influence upon the circulation 
tends toward the surface and with proper hepatics it 
assists in relieving the circulation of impurities especially 
in uraemia and cholaamia. It is a superior tonic to the 
stomach, relieving hypera?mic conditions of the mucous 






CIMICIFUGA. 197 

membrane, and is serviceable in colic, flatulence, eructa- 
tions and general indigestion. With proper hepatics it 
assists in the relief of engorged liver, whether it be from 
congestion or inflammation. In bronchitis and pneumo- 
nia it dispels hyperaemia and tones the mucous membrane. 
In hysteria it relieves the nerves as well as the circulation. 
In puerperal fever it does its work well, but at times needs 
more stimulation. In combination with cactus it is excel- 
lent for the nervous, unstrung condition resulting from 
the use of tobacco or liquor. 

In hot fomentation this herb may be applied with good 
results over the lungs, stomach or abdomen in cases of 
either congestion or inflammation. 

The F. E. may be used instead of the herb in either hot 
oi cold preparations. 

CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. 

Black Cohosh. 

The root is a relaxing and stimulating, diffusive nervine 
and alterant. It is a powerful agent. The green root has 
a nauseating odor which is almost entirely absent when 
dry. 

Large doses especially of the fluid extract influence the 
brain and produces dizziness, which however lasts but a 
short time. 

Age impairs the value of this agent, and heat materially 
changes some of its properties. It then does not influence 
the brain as much as the glandular system, the uterus and 
the mucous membrane throughout. A strong decoction is 
an excellent antiperiodic, but it is still better when com- 
bined with small portions of quinine. 

A syrup made by boiling the green or dry root and then 
adding enough sugar to keep it. This maybe used as a 
base for alterative preparations and gives very favorable 
results in eruptive diseases and scrofula. 

The fluid extract and the resonoid producing headache 
as they do, cannot be used in large quantities, sufficient to 
produce the required alterative effect, but of the syrup you 
can give as much as is required. It acts well on the secern- 
ents throughout, the liver, kidneys and lymphatics. It 
does well in all bad contaminations of the blood. It is a 
good remedy in syphilis. If it attacks the joints apply a 
strong infusion of cimicifuga to the parts. The syrup of 
ciinicifuga makes an excellent base for other alterative 



198 CIMICIFUGA. 

preparations, tonics and antispasmodics. It tones and 
prevents waste, soothes and stimulates the nerves: is a 
good antispasmodic and is useful in whooping-cough, asth- 
ma, hysterical convulsions, hysteria and chorea. 

Oimicifuga Rac. 

Caulophyllum Thai. 

Cypripedium Pub. 

Helonias 

Leonurus Card. aa. equal parts. Or 

Cimicifuga Rac. 
Aristolochia Serp. 
Asclepias Tub. 

Lobelia Infl. aa. equal parts. Either of these formulae* 
is good in the treatment of chorea. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following for epilepsy 
and chorea: 

Elix. Cimicifuga Rac. oz. iv 

" Scutelaria 

" Verbena Hast. aa. oz. ii 

M. Sig. One tablespoonful four times a day. All meats 
and heavy digestible foods to be strictly avoided. 

Dr. Hoener also recommends the following for apoplexy. 
If life is not too near extinct, rub the whole body with hot 
water and give 

Elix. Cimicifuga Rac. 
" Betonica Lan. aa. oz. iss 

" Cunila Mar. oz. i 

M. Sig. One tablespoonful every thirty minutes. When 
the patient improves lengthen the time to one hour. 
When it cannot be administered per oram it may be used 
by enema. 

Cimicifuga soothes the serous membrane and gives a 
fullness to the pulse and is hence of much importance in 
acute and chronic rheumatism. In dysmenorrhoea, amen- 
orrhoea and in parturition its influence is valuable. It 
soothes the uterus and gently increases the periodic flow. 
It relieves after-pain* and maintains the lochial discharge. 
In case of a sudden check of the lochia it will influence a 
gentle return of the lochia, and affords relief to the uterine 
and general circulation. 
Macrotin 
Humulin 
Acacia aa. grs. x 



CINCHONA. 19*) 

Camphora 

Trit. Ol. Cinnamon aa. grs. v 

Make into from five to eight powders and use in dysmen- 
orrhoea every half hour for two hours. 

In all eruptive diseases the syrup of cimicifuga freely 
given will tend to purify the blood current and given in 
hot water or an infusion of the root, is diaphoretic. It 
cleanses the circulation so that the eruption will not be so 
virulent and the surface inflammation not so intense. 

In bronchial congestion or inflammation in hot infusion 
it is an alterative expectorant which readily allays irrita- 
tion of the respiratory mucous membrane, and especially 
is this true when combined with such agents as aralia rac- 
emosa, or prunus virginiana, 
Cimicifuga Rac. 
Aralia Rac. 
Lycopus Virg. 

An them is Nob. aa. in equal parts. Use a heaped table- 
spoonful of this combination to one pint of barley water. 
Sweeteri with honey, and use for a bronchial cough. 

With the superior influence of diuretics the action of 
cimicifuga is well marked upon the kidneys and urinary 
mucous membrane. 

The influence of this agent upon the nervous system 
much depends on the grade of nervines with which it is 
combined, and so with its influence on the serous tissue, 
and the secernents generally. 

CINCHONA 
Peruvian Barh. 

Cinchona Calisaya is the yellow bark. 

Cinchona Officinalis is the pale bark. 

Cinchona Succi rubra is the red bark. 

All these varieties are stimulating nervines. It is from 
the cinchonas that quinine, the popular antiperiodic. is 
derived. 

Cinchona includes in its range of influence the entire 
nervous system, the sympathetic as well as the cerebral 
and spinal, the peripheral as well as the central nerves. 

In large doses especially quinine causes much buzzing 
in the ears and may so stimulate the auditory nerves as 
to cause temporary or permanent deafness according to 
its extravagant use. 

The red and pale varieties are considered most astrin- 



200 CINCH OK A. 

gent, but it is claimed that the yellow furnishes most qui- 
nine in proportion to bulk. 

All the varieties tend to increased sensibility and excite- 
ment, even inducing tension, a dryness of the mucous 
membrane and of the surface, also inducing constipation, 
warmth, and hardening of the pulse. Given during febrile 
excitement it increases that excitement, and gastric and 
intestinal tenderness follow its excessive use. 

The fluid extract of the bark is a good antiperiodic and a 
tonic to the nervous system. 

Spasmodic condition arising from weakness may be qui- 
eted by cinchona 

At times very simple things may create a shock to the 
system and become as good an antiperiodic as cinchona. I 
have known a half teacup of raw corn meal taken before 
breakfast to do as well as quinine to prevent a chill. And 
so with a tablespoonf ul of ginger in a pint of milk. The 
eating of a pound of raisins has done the same thing, and 
so will asafoetida taken at the right time. Even the eat- 
ing of a raw egg in a tablespoonful of vinegar sometimes 
forms a good antiperiodic. 

In the giving of cinchona or any of its preparations it is 
absolutely necessary that you look to the cleansing of the 
system of morbific materials. If this be first done the 
necessity of quinine will be much less, and smaller doses 
will be required. It should then be given in small doses 
hourly for three or four hours prior to the time of the ex- 
pected chill 

If the occasion for qui nia is upon your patient and you 
have not time to prepare your patient, then give your 
cleansing material with your quinine, if necessary a good 
dose of antibilious physic. See that the stomach, liver, 
bowels and circulation are doing their respective duties. 

Quinia sulphas is an alkaloid, a neutral salt, odorless, 
white, silky ciystals. ■ Its action is identical with the 
bark except that it possesses less astringency and is more 
stimulating to the auditory nerves than is the bark. 

Per rectum two or three times as much quinia as per 
oram may be given for the same purpose. 

In typhoid fever when occurring in typhoid regions. 
small doses of quinia should be given throughout the whole 
course of treatment. 

The cinchona bark is more of a general tonic than the 
quinia. 



CINCHONA. 201 

It may be that in some extreme cases large doses may be 
admirable, but these cases are very seldom. When large 
doses are deemed necessary you may avoid much of the in- 
convenience by tilling the ears with cypripedium and lobe- 
lia: and this repeated at intervals as needed. It prevents 
the presence of the extreme tension upon the auditory 
nerves. 

Quinia sulphas is so intensely bitter that many prepara- 
tions have been made to cover the taste. An alkali to 
some extent does this without much Injury to the effects 
of the quinine. 

Cinchona 12 

Lactin HO 

Bicarb. Soda 1 

forms a tasteless cinchona. Fluid extract of glycyrrhiza 
to some extent relieves the bitter taste of quinia, and so 
will cinnamon. 

McCoy. Howe Co., of Indianapolis, manufacture a Quin- 
ia-Masque a syrup yerba santa aromatica, A teaspoonful 
will disguise 2 grs. of quinine. It disguises without im- 
pairing solubility or efficacy. 

Cincho-qn mine throws the blood to the surface, Alls the 
capillaries and causes redness of the surface, but without 
extra heat. 

Quinia may be given in small capsules but pill form is 
usually too slow. 

CJiinoidin is a preparation strongly antiperiodic. It is 
very liable in large doses to cause nausea and starts a free 
flow of bile. One to three grains is an ordinary dose. It. 
is best given in a little lemonade. On account of its ac- 
tion on the secernents it is a desirable preparation in the 
treatment of intermittents and neuralgia. The fluid 
extract of the bark is an excellent preparation for the 
treatment of intermittents and it does not give the incon- 
venience that some other preparations do. 



tied Cinchona 


6* 


Bitter Orange Peel 


5i 


Aristolochia Serpen. 


H 


Or 




Red Cinchona 


8 


Bitter Orange Peel 


4 


Aristolochia Serpen. 


2 


Carthamus Tinct. 


1 


Or 





202 CINNAMOMUM. 

Cinchona Pale 12 

Sweet Orange peel 2 

F. E. Cardamon Comp- 2 

These are all good tonic nervine compounds involving 
cinchona. 

Quinia SuJph. gr. i 

Aqua oz. ii 

forms an appetizing tonic for many cases of convalescence. 
There is now prepared a F. E. cinchona detannated for 
use in the manufacturing of elixirs and for combining 
properly with iron preparations. 

CINNAMOMUM CASSIA. 
Cassia, Cinnamon. (Laurus Cinnamomum.) 

Ceylon and China. 
The inner bark of the branches is a warming, diffusive, 
stimulating, aromatic and astringent tonic. It is rich in 
oil, upon which its properties largely depend. It influ- 
ences chiefly the alvine mucous membrane, and is one of 
the best agents in cholera infantum and in all cases of 
diarrhoea. But in all such cases care must be taken to 
keep the liver and gall ducts in proper action. 

It promotes digestion, soothes the nerves and stimulates 
the circulation, but it is mostly used as an adjuvant in 
the administering of other medicines. 

The oil of cinnamon is more stimulating and less astrin- 
gent than the bark and is very useful in liniments. 
Ol. Cinnamon 
" Capsicum aa. 1 

" Sassafras 3 

This makes an excellent liniment, one of the very best 
for a very stimulating influence. It is powerful, but it 
may be diluted and used as a liniment of whatever strength 
required. In one drop doses in water it may be used inter- 
nally for colic, cholera morbus, flatus, cholera infantum, 
and in such cases it may be diluted and also used as a lini- 
ment over the abdomen. 
Cinnamomum Zeylan. 
Zingiber aa. 5t 

Myristica Frag. 

Elettaria Repens aa. 24 

Triturate on sugar. 
This is an excellent aromatic stimulant to be used in 



CITRUS. 203 

faintness and prostration, a cold surface, nervous depres- 
sion or sympathetic vomiting. 

CI RCI U M A R . V ENSE. 
( 'a iia da Thistle. Cnicus Arvensis. ) 

The root of this agent is a mild, stimulating, astringent 
and somewhat demulcent influencing chiefly the mucous 
membrane, and quite favorably so in the treatment of 
dysentery and diarrhoea. 

It also influences the nervous system, assists in parturi- 
tion, anticipates post-partem hemorrhage and relieves 
after-pains. 

An infusion forms a good wash in relaxed vagina, pro" 
lapsus uteri and leucorrhoea. 

The whole plant boiled in lard makes a good ointment 
for some forms of eczema, pruritus, irritable hemorrhoids 
and rectal fissures and ulcers in various parts. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends its use in strong decoc- 
tion in cases of tuberculosis of the lungs and for its desir- 
able action on the kidneys. In either case it may be 
combined with suitable agents. 

CITRUS AURANTIUM. 

Orange. 

The peel is a mild diffusive, stimulating aromatic tonic. 
It contains some oil. It warms the stomach, relieves fla- 
tus and improves the appetite and digestion. 

In convalescence the 'fruit is refreshing, and a small 
portion of the dried peel chewed slowly is a good tonic to 
the gastric membrane. 

Grated Fresh Orange Peel \ 

Granulated Sugar 3 

Triturate thoroughly. This is a good vehicle for quinine 
and other bitter tonics. 

Citrus Aur. Peel 12 

Caryophyllus Arom, 

Carum Carvi. 

Cinnamonum Cas. 

Pimpinella An. aa. £• 

This is an excellent compound which may be made into 
a syrup or used as a powder triturated on sugar. It is a 
vehicle of no little importance for the administering of 
bitter or unpleasant drugs. 



204 CITRUS. 

CITRUS VULGARIS. 

Bitter Orange, Seville Orange, France. 

Aurantii Floris Aqua is chiefly prepared from this 
variety and is used as a perfume. 

The oil neroli is obtained from both varieties by distill- 
ation from the flowers. That from the bitter variety is the 
best. 

The peel of this variety has about the same medical prop- 
erties as that of the sweet variety except that this variety 
is more bitter. 

CITRUS LIMONUM. 

Lemon. 

The outer peel contains the oil of lemon. It is a warm- 
ing aromatic. Hot lemonade is a diaphoretic, Cold lemon- 
ade is an excellent refreshing drink, very agreeable and 
very useful in proper quantities in billious fever, in rheuma- 
tism and in many other conditions. It is a pleasant tonic 
to the stomach. 

A syrup made of lemon juice is a good temporary cough 
syrup. 

Citric acid is fermented lemon juice and is very much 
stronger than the fresh lemon juice. 
Fresh lemon peel grated 2 

Strained lemon juice 16 

Granulated Sugar 36 

This forms an excellent syrup as a vehicle for bitter medi- 
cines 

In the use of the lemon, care must betaken that the acid 
shall be used by the patient in moderation, for even a good 
thing used to excess may do harm. 
Lemon juice 1 

Granulated sugar 3 

forms a good syrup for ordinary purposes. 

In cases of epistaxis cleanse the nostrils of clots and 
spray the inner surface with lemon juice. 

COCCULUS PALMATUS. 

Oalumba. (Jateorhiza Palmata. ) 

The root is a mild, stimulating, bitter tonic, slightly 

dumulcent, influencing chiefly the mucous membrane of 

the alvine tract. It invigorates the stomach, improves the 



COCHLEARIA. 2(). r ) 

appetite and assists digestion and assimilation. It is sooth- 
ing to the mucous membrane, and it allays the vomiting of 
pregnancy and other weak and irritable conditions of the 
stomach and alvine canal. 

In convalescence from fevers when the alviue mucous 
membrane is left irritated. In combination with some as- 
tringent agents it is valuable in dysentery and diarrhoea. 
With hydrastis it is toning to the alvine canal. Calumba is 
one of those agents which by combining with various other 
agents may be made to influence any particular part of the 
mucous membrane. Thus its chief influence may be felt 
on any particular part, on the stomach, the bowels, the 
urinary tract or the generative organs. 

COCHLEARIA ARMORACIA. 
Horse Modish. (Nasturtium Armoracia.) 

The fresh roots will blister the surface and so will the 
leaves. I have used them frequently for neuralgia where 
mustard might be used. Relief has usually resulted. Do 
not allow it to remain long enough to blister. 

The root grated in vinegar is a good table relish for the 
torpid stomach. 

When dry the roots are a rathet pleasant stimulant to 
the kidneys, the skin, the stomach and the circulation. It 
arouses a gastric warmth, gently relieves the gall ducts 
stimulates alvine action, increases urinary How, tones the 
mucous membrane, produces a fullness of the pulse, and 
leaves a warmth of the surface. 

In atonic dyspepsia and bilious, sluggish conditions it is 
best, and in gastric and intestinal catarrh it is of much 
importance: also in dropsy, jaundice and chronic rheuma- 
tism. 

Tr. or F. E. Cochlearia dr. ii 

F. E. Taraxacum dr. vii 

Syr. Citrus Auran. q. s. oz. iv 

M. S. Teaspoonful with meals is good for a torpid 
stomach and liver with constipation. 
Cochlearia 
Sinapis Albn Sem, 
Juniperus 
Rerberis Aquifol. 

Citrus Auran aa. oz. ii 

Cider Vinegar pints 3 

Allow to stand a week and press. The result is a good 



206 COLA. 

tonic for a very torpid digestion and poor assimilation, 
with biliousness, as found frequently in cases of dropsy. 

COCOS KUCIFERA. 
Cocoa-nut Tree. 

From the nut of this tree by expressing is obtained, a 
fixed oil. The oil is white and about of the consistency of 
lard. It is much more palatable than cod-liver oil and has 
frequently been used as a substitute. Occasionally it has 
been used in the culinary art as a substitute for lard. Its 
use in pharmacy is far superior to lard. 

COLA ACUMINATA. 
K'olaJVut. Africa, West Indies. 

The nut is a mild stimulating, astringent tonic. The 
African kola nut is more astringent than that from Ja- 
maica, and is more valuable for diarrhcea. It checks nau- 
sea and vomiting, soothes the gastric and intestinal mucous 
membrane and assists digestion when used in moderation. 
Kola is of the tanno-caffeic order. It is stimulating to 
the mucous membrane throughout and toning to intesti- 
nal digestion. Kola contains a high percentage of caffein, 
but it is far more tonic than caffein. 

Kola is also quite sustaining to the nervous system espe- 
cially the cerebral and spinal. It sustains, tones and rests 
the brain during continued intellectual labor, and is valu- 
able in convalescence and neurasthenia, and some neural- 
gic conditions especially of a chronic character. 

Kola is also a tonic diuretic and may be used in diabetes. 

In parturition kola is sustaining to the nervous system 
and relieves fatigue. It sustains the body well during 
physical exercise. 

In anaemia it stimulates the appetite, improves the flesh 
and assists sleep. It also gives favorable results in melan- 
cholia. 

It is claimed to give favorable results in loco-motor 
ataxia, pulmonary tuberculosis and carbuncle. 

The Jamaica kola forms a pleasant beverage and is 
sometimes called kola coffee. Taken at night it will pro- 
duce wakefulness and may be important to the student 
when there is a necessity for the burning of the midnight 
oil. 

The infusion is the preferable form for the use of this 
agent. 



COLLINSONT A . 207 

COLLINSONIA CANADENSIS. 

Stone Root. 

The root is a gently stimulating diuretic and tonic 
alterative slightly astringent, influencing the mucous 
membrane throughout. In diarrhoea and dysentery it 
stimulates, cleanses and tones the aKine membrane and 
materially aids digestion and soothes hemorrhoids. In 
cystic catarrh it assists in diuresis and stimulates and 
cleanses the membrane. In leucorrhoea it may be used as 
a wash and per oram with good results. Combined with 
agents that influence the respiratory organs it is valuable 
in cleansing and toning the bronchi. In hot infusion its 
influence is decidedly toward the surface, and is valuable 
in acute and chronic peritonitis, pleuritis. and acute and 
chronic endo-carditis. In influencing the circulation it 
influences the nervous system and gives favorable results 
in nervous irritation and nervous depression. 
F. E. Collinsonia Can. 

Leptandra Yirg. aa. 1 
Syr. Juglans 2 

This is an alterative, hepatic, tonic cathartic and ner- 
vine. 

Dr. C. B. Riggs recommends the following for hemor- 
rhoids: 

Syr. Juglans oz. iii 

F. E. Collinsonia Can. (green) oz. i 
M. S. Teaspc.onful often enough to keep the bowels 
acting gently. 

Dr. Riggs also advises the following diaphoretic com- 
pound as a most excellent preparation in the producing of 
diaphoresis in such troubles as la grippe, colds, and fevers: 
F. E. Collinsonia Can. (green) oz. viii 

" Lobelia Inf. 
Comp. Tine. Myrrh aa. oz. iv 

Sodium Salicylate (Wintergreen) oz. i 
Mix Sig. Ten to thirty drops in warm water every i. 
1 or 2 hours. 

Collinsonin 4 

Juglandin 

Euonymin aa. 2 

Leptandrin 1 

This may be used in capsules for indigestion, hemor- 
roids . &c. 



208 COPAIFERA. 

F. E. Collinsonia 

" A vena Sativa aa. equal parts. 
Mix Sig. Twenty drops every 3 or 4 hours for infant 
paralysis. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the use of this agent in 
cholera infantum, cholera morbus, diarrhoea, dysentery, 
gastro-enteritis if accompanied with diarrhoea, entero- 
colitis, and persistent vomiting. 

COMPTON1A ASPLENIFOLIA. 
Sweet Fern. (Myrica Asplenifolia. ) 

The leaves are a mild aromatic, stimulating, tonic alter- 
ative, chiefly influencing the mucous membrane. It stim- 
ulates the appetite and promotes dige&tion and assimila- 
tion. It is valuable in scrofula, tabes mesenterica and 
tuberculosis. 

F. E. Comptonia Asp. oz. i 

Hydrastia Sulph. gr. i 

Ferri et Pot. Tart. grs. xv 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This is a valuable compound in tabes mesenterica. 
With aralia racemosa it acts well in bronchitis, 
With helonias and leonurus it does well in vaginal and 
uterine weakness. 

CONVOLVULUS SCAMMONIA. 
Scammony, Man Root. (Convolvulus Panduratus. 

(Ipomcea Pandurata.) 
The resin is rather a pleasant stimulating cathartic, 
but in large doses like other cathartics it is quite griping, 
which is much lessened by the addition of zingiber in some 
form. Its most profitable influence is when combined 
with some appropriate hepatics. • 

COPAIFERA OFFICINALIS. 

Copaiba. West Indies and South America. 

Incisions in the copaiba tree yield an oleo-resinous excre- 
tion of balsamic odor and nearly colorless. It is warming 
and rather nauseating and is usually administered in 
sealed capsules or in some form of emulsion, or triturated 
on 1 act in and reduced to a powder. It is best in soft cap- 
sules because of the volatile oil evaporating and leaving 
little but the resin which is comparatively of little value. 

Copaiba is a stimulating diuretic strongly influencing 



CORALLOKHIZA. 209 

the mucous membrane, especially that of the. urinary or- 
gans. Its use is best adapted in languid and sluggish con- 
ditions, chronic congestion and weakness of the mucous 
passages as in gleet. It is not suited to inflamed and irri- 
tated conditions of the mucous membrane, because of its 
stimulating properties. It is frequently combined with 
barosma or uva-ursi. 

COPTIS TRIFOLIA. 
Gold Thread. 

The root is a gently stimulating bitter tonic to the mu- 
cous membrane throughout. It is valuable in convalescence 
from fevers, is a good appetizer and gently tones the gastric 
membrane. In many respects it has nearly if not quite 
fully as good influence as Hydrastis canadensis. 

It is valuable as a wash for sore mouth, a vaginal wash 
and as an injection to the urethra in gonorrhoea. It tones 
the mucous membrane and enables it to cast off impurities. 

CORALLOKHIZA ODONTORHIZA. 

Cra wley -Root. PI erospora A.udromedea 

The root is a pleasant, prompt, diffusive, relaxing dia- 
phoretic, slightly stimulating and somewhat demulcent. It 

influences the circulation, allays nervous irritability, in- 
duces free diaphoresis and relieves the capillaries. 

It is a superior agent in febrile conditions, and in erup- 
tive diseases. If needed, more stimulating agents may be 
added. With zingiber its influence is valuable in bronchi- 
tis, pneumonia, pleuritis, peritonitis and nephritis, and 
in this combination it promotes the menstrual flow in cases 
of congestion, by relieving the circulation and promoting 
an outward tendency of the blood. By equalizing the 
circulation it is valuable in puerperal fever, in ovaritis, 
uteritis, and for the relief of hyperasruic conditions wher- 
ever found. By its use also after-pains are relieved and 
the lochia increased. 

Pul. Pterospora And. dr. iss 

" Asclepias Tub. dr. i 

" Xanthoxyluni Frax. dr. ss 

•• Capsicum grs. x 

" Dioscorea Vil. dr. i 

Aqua Bullens oz viii 

Sig. Tables poonful hourly for peritonitis. 



210 COKNTJS. 

CORIANDRUM SATIVUM. 
Coriander. 

The seeds are a mild, pleasant, aromatic carminative, 
chiefly used as a vehicle for bitter tonics and cathartics. 

CORN US CIRC1NATA. 
Green Osier Baric. 

The bark is a bitter, gently stimulating and slightly 
astringent tonic, influencing chiefly the mucous membrane. 
It is useful in dysentery, diarrhoea and cholera infantum. 
In hot infusion it somewhat influences the circulation and 
the nervous system, gently stimulating, soothing and ton- 
ing. 

CORNUS FLORIDA 
Dogwood . 

The bark is rather a pleasant stimulating and astrin- 
gent tonic chiefly influencing the mucous membrane. In 
hot infusion it influences the circulation. It is a good anti- 
periodic especially with small portions of quinine, but its 
best influence is upon the alvine mucous membrane in 
cases of laxity of the bowels. Even here its best influence 
is felt in combination with suitable hepatics.. With 
comp. syr. rhei et pot. it is very useful in cholera infan- 
tum. 

An infusion is a good wash for sore mouth and tender 
gums. For vaginal weakness and leucorrhoea it is one of 
the best for injections or may be used in capsules. 

An infusion forms a good wash for the cleansing of foul 
ulcers, or the dry powder may be used as an absorbent. 

In chronic and debilitated conditions of the mucous 
membrane with a tendency to diarrhoea it is just the agent 
wanted. 

The flowers are a mild and valuable stimulating tonic, 
not astringent like the bark. They are soothing and sus- 
taining to the nervous system and to the circulation espe- 
cially when given in hot infusion, when it is also somewhat 
diaphoretic. 

The berries are also a pleasant mild bitter tonic similar 
to the flowers. 

These flowers and berries possess a mildness and effect- 
iveness that makes them a favorite for convalescence and 
indeed wherever a mild tonic is needed. 



GOTO. 211 

(Jm^nin is a better antiperiodic than any other prepara- 
tion of this agent. 

CORN US SER1CEA. 

Red Osier Bark, Swamp Dogwood. 

The bark is a stimulating astringent. It is useful in 
stopping hemorrhages whether from the nose, lungs, 
uterus or bowels. In parturition where there, is a hemor- 
rhagic tendency, and where the pains are inefficient, and 
the parts lax, this agent will be very valuable. It will 
anticipate flooding, increase pains and add general vigor 
to the system. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener advises the use by injection of the fol- 
lowing for the cure of uterine ulcers. It also check> the 
vomiting incident to pregnancy: 
Cornus Ser. 
Viburnum Prunif. aa. equal parts. 

GOTO AND PARA-COTO BARK. 

These are two distinct barks brought from Bolivia under 
the name of coto-bark. They are now distinguished as 
above. In physical appearance these two barks are strik- 
ingly different, but their therapeutical properties are very 
similar. 

The bark is a gently stimulating, tonic astringent. lt> 
influence is especially felt by the alvine mucous mem- 
brane, and is very useful in dysentery, diarrhoea and chol- 
era infantum. In hot infusion of ziugiber it is excellent 
in the exhaustive discharges of cholera morbus and to 
quiet the pain incident thereto. With xanthoxylum, cap- 
sicum and hydrastis it will be found very valuable in 
cholera. 

Goto tones the digestive tract and is especially valuable 
in all lax conditions of the mucous membrane. It influ- 
ences a good flow of blood toward the surface. It is very 
successful in the treatment of sore and spongy gums, 
toothache, sore mouth, sweating of the feet and the night 
sweats incident to phthisis 

It may be used locally upon ulcers and old sores, and is 
valuable to be used as an injection to the vagina in case of 
excessive discharges whether lucorrhoeal or from ulcer- 
ation. 

In nasal, gastric, intestinal and bronchial catarrh it will 



212 CUCURBITA. 

be found very valuable in cases where the discharges are 
in excess. 

In typhoid fever and in the excessive discharges from 
the bowels in phthisis this is a superior agent. 

F. E. Para-Coto Cort. 

Tr. Cardamon Comp. aa. dr. i 

Acacia Mucilage dr. iii 

Syi. Simp. dr. ii 

Aqua q. s. oz. iv 

Sig. Teaspoonf j! or more as needed to arrest diarrhoea. 

CROTON EL UTERI A. 
Cascarilla. Bahama Islands. 

The bark is a pleasant, mild, aromatic, stimulating tonic, 
chiefly influencing the mucous membrane. In hot infusion 
it is diaphoretic, soothes the nerves, gently quiets the 
whole system and gives a good flow of blood toward the 
surface. 

In convalescence it is gently sustaining and if needed 
may be combined with stronger tonics, or combined with 
some diffusive, as required. 

If combined with aralia racemosa or some other agent 
influencing the respiratory organs it lends its influence in 
that direction. It is a good tonic addition to some cough 
syrups, especially when the expectoration is already too 
free. It will be found valuable in phthisis for such condi- 
tion. 

In combination with uterine and vaginal tonics it is 
useful in the treatment of leucorrhcea, prolapsus aud vagi- 
nal weakness. 

CUCURBTPA CITRULLUS. 
Water-melon. (Citrullus Vulgaris.} 

The seed and husk are a moderately relaxing and stim- 
ulating diuretic. It influences the mucous membrane 
throughout, but especially that of the kidneys, promptly 
increasing the flow of urine. In nephritis, cystitis and 
urethritis it is one of the best agents. It relieves scalding 
urine and soothes the entire urethra. 

Its influence may be partially felt on other parts of the 
mucous membrane when properly combined with other 
agents. 

An infusion of the seed gives best results when freely 
drank. 






CUNTLA. 213 

CUCURBIT A PEPO. 
Pumpkin. 

The seed without the husk is bruised in a mortar or 
ground and then emulsed in water. This is oily and sweet 
and influences the raucous membrane throughout, but 
especially that of the kidneys, bladder and urethra, and 
promptly relieves scalding urine. 

It is a pleasant anthelmintic for the expulsion of the 
tape worm. Emulse two ounces of the peeled seed in 
water and drink early each morning for three mornings, 
eating but little during these three days, and follow their 
use with a full dose of antibilious physic. 

The oil maybe used for the same purpose in doses of 
from 20 to 60 drops. 

CI NILA MARIANA. 
Dittany. 
This plant is a pleasant diffusive aromatic stimulant. 
In hot infusion it is diaphoretic and gives a good out- 
ward circulation. In recent colds, in tardy exanthems, 
headache, hysteria, cramping, gastralgia. enteralgia, re- 
mitting and continued fevers and in tardy menstruation 
caused by congestion. In all such it stimulates the capil- 
laries, relieves nervous irritability and sustains the circu- 
lation. It stimulates the mucous membrane, relieves 
flatulence and assists digestion. 

Cunila Mar. 

Cypripedium Pub. aa. equal parts 
makes a good relaxing nervine for irritated conditions. 

Cunila Mar. 

Caulophyllum Thai. 

Dioscorea Yil. aa. equal parts 
makes a good antispasmodic preparation for dysmenor- 
rhoea. 

Cunila Mar. 

Scutelaria Lat. aa. equal parts 
makes a stimulating nervine. 
The leaves yield an oil which is a carminative essence. 

CURCUMA LONGA. 
Tumeric. 

The root is a diffusive stimulating aromatic tonic to 
the alvine mucous membrane. Its chief use is as an adju- 



214 CYPERUS. 

vant for the administering of bitter tonics and cathartics 

CUSPARIA TRIFOLIATA. 

Angustura. (Galipea Cusparia.) South America. 

The bark is a mild, diffusive, stimulating, tonic nervine. 

It relieves the heart by promoting an outward circula- 
tion. It influences the alvine mucous membrane and large 
doses are cathartic. It more or less influences all the 
secernents, and is valuable in the treatment of intermit- 
tents, remittents and typhoid. 

It cleanses and tones the gastric and intestinal mucous 
membrane and is very serviceable in convalescence from 
typhoid and other fevers, in gastric, intestinal, cystic, 
nasal or vaginal catarrh. It is an agent that may be in- 
fluenced in different directions by being combined with 
different agents, and yet it maintains its general character 
of influence. It is positive in its infusion and is a valuable 
agent used in the relations mentioned. 

CYDONIUM VULGARIS. 
Quince. 

The seed and covering yield a mucilage very soothing 
to the mucous membrane and to the surface as well. It is 
excellent in cases of irritation or inflammation of the kid- 
neys, bowels, bladder or urethra. To the stomach it is a 
very grateful bitter tonic, more pleasant than most demul- 
cents. 

Hydrastis Aq. Dis. 6 

Hamamelis Aq. Dis. 4 

Cydonium Mucilage 22 

This forms a good injection for gonorrhoea. 
The mucilage is an excellent wash for ophthalmia. 
Dr. F. Gr. Hoener says that quince leaves either as a 
local steam bath or taken in hot infusion per oram in four 
cases out of five will prove emmenagogue in cases of tem- 
porary suppression. 

CYNOGLOSSUM OFFICINALE. 
Hound s Tongue. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says, this has given good effects in 
bronchitis, dentition and coughs and colds of infants. 

CYPERUS ARTICULATUS. 
Anti- emetic Root, Adrue.* Tropical. 

The root possesses an aroma scmewhat resembling that 
of calamus. It is a gently stimulating, warming, and dif- 



CYPRIPEDIUM. 21") 

fusive agent, soothing to the mucous membrane. In Ja- 
maica a strong infusion has been used successfully to stop 
the black vomit incident to yellow fever. It may also be 
used in the vomiting incident to cholera infantum, cholera 
morbus, atonic dyspepsia, and the vomiting incident to 
pregnancy. It is a pleasant aromatic and creates a feeling 
of warmth and comfort in the stomach. It is a tine tonic 
to the gastric and alvine mucous membrane. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation toward the 
surface and soothes the nervous system. 

The mucilage is an excellent wash in ophthalmia. 

CYPRIPEDIUM PUBESCENS, 

Lady's Slipper. 

The root is almost if not quite a pure relaxing nervine. 
It is less positive and less stimulating than lobelia. It is 
antispasmodic by inducing nerve relaxation, and thus free- 
ing the nerves from irritability and excitement. 

In typhoid fever it decidedly influences the brain and 
relieves delirium to a great extent. The more your pa- 
tients can naturally sleep and the less the brain is allowed 
to be irritated the better. 

Of course cypripedium in typhoid fever is not best alone. 
More or less capsicum or other stimulant is necessary. 
Cypripedium Pub. 
Lobelia Inn. aa. equal parts 
is excellent in many cases of insanity where there is much 
restlessness and inability to sleep. Business men who are 
overworked or worried and unable to sleep can take with 
much benefit smail and frequent doses of cypripedium 
with excellent quieting effect. 

If it is to be used on the surface, capsicum should be 
added; and in depressed cases it is best to add a small por- 
t ion of capsicum for internal use. 
Cypripedium Pub. 
Lobelia Infl. aa. 5 

Capsicum 1 

Make into a pill with extract of eupatorium perfoli- 
atum. 

These may be used in febrile delirium, insanity, dysmen- 
orrhoea and uteriue irritation. 

Cypripedium Pub. 2 

Cimicifuga Rac. 

Zingiber Off. aa. 1 



216 CYPRIPEDIUM. 

Give an infusion of this for dysmenorrhoea. 
In cases of insomnia give an injection of eypripedium 
or of eypripedium and lobelia at night on ^retiring. Do 
not give enough to nauseate but simply to quiet. This 
process may also be used in nymphomania and used on 
retiring to prevent seminal emissions. 

Cypripedium Pub. 6 

Lobelia Inn. 5 

Eupatorium Perfol. 2 

This make s an excellent suppository to be used for irri- 
tation of the nervous system, or the ingredients may be 
used in infusion per oram, in hysteria, chorea, nervous 
headache, neuralgia, nervous irritability, nervous debility 
when from irritability, dysmenorrhoea and epilepsy. 

For delirium or insanity from nerve irritation there is 
nothing better to relax them. Give such doses as are re- 
quired to produce the desired result As the case pro- 
gresses other nervines may be added to sustain the nerves 
after the stage of excitement has passed. 

If cypripedium be given in hot infusion, especially if 
some zingiber be added, a warm and gentle perspiration 
results. Its relaxing effect upon the nerves is felt by the 
circulation, and the secernents are also relaxed and re- 
lieved. The kidneys and bowels are also relieved. Indeed 
the whole system is left in better shape for future activity. 
In dysmenorrhoea ascertain if the patient has been given 
to too free discharges or as is usual to too scanty dis- 
charges. If the latter use in hot infusion the following: 

Cypripedium Pub. 

Anthemis Nob. aa. 4 

Caulophyllum Thai. ' 

Leonurus Card, aa. 2 

Zingiber 1 

In parturition cypripedium relieves the rigid os uteri 
and the nervous irritation that is frequently present. Of 
course this does not apply to cold, slow cases that need 
some degree of stimulation. 

Cypripedium Pub. 3 

Dioscorea Vil. 2 

Zingiber I 

gives very favorable results in colic and after-pains, but in 
cases of post-partem hemorrhage omit the zingiber and 
add either trillium or capsicum or viburnum prunifolium 
as required. 



CYSTISTTS. 217 

The above preparation may also be used in rheumatism, 
but must be combined with some degree of stimulation. 

In a dry and irritable form of catarrh cypripedium is 
useful to cleanse and to relieve irritation. 
In the convulsions of hysteria use a large injection of 
Cypripedium Pub. 
Lobelia Infl. aa. equal parts 
and if needed give a second smaller injection. 

Cypripedium is not a diaphoretic, but in cases where 
there is feverishness with irritation of the nervous system 
some diaphoretic agent as zingiber or serpentaria should 
be added. 

Cypripedium is not a tonic, and yet after the system has 
been brought well under its influence, the entire system is 
relieved and toned. 

In the presence of putrescence this agent has but little 
value unless combined with very positive stimulation. In 
such cases it is simply of value to relieve irritation of the 
nervous system. 

Cypripedium Pub. 2 

Scutelaria 1 

is an excellent combination for a ease of irritable nervous 
depression. In nervous headache this will give good re- 
sults. If the stomach is involved it may be used by enema.. 
F. E. Cypripedium Pub. dr. iv 

•' Scutelaria Lat. 
'■ Nepeta Oat. 

." Dioscorea Vil. aa. dr. i 

Syr. Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 

This is a soothing nervine for child or adult for cranial 
or abdominal pain 

Cypripedium is one of our best agents when properly 
used. 

CYSTISUS SCOPARIUS. 
Broom Tops, Scotch Broom. Europe. 

The young shoots are a stimulating and relaxing diu- 
retic, securing a free flow of urine. 

With hepatics and tonics this is of much value in drop- 
sy. It gives good results. 
Cystisus Scop. 

Euonymous Atr. aa. 3 

Zingiber. 1 

This is a successful combination for dropsy. 



218 T>ENTARIA. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following for general 
dropsy: 

Elix. Cystisus Scop. 
" Celastrus Scan. aa. oz. iss 

" Agrimonia Eup. oz. i 

M. S. One tea^poonful every two hours. 

DAUCUS C A ROTA. 
Carrot. 

This vegetable is of some importance as a medicine. 
Finely grated it is a stimulating application for sores, ul- 
cers, abscesses, carbuncles, and scrofulous and cancerous 
sores. It cleanses the surface and siimulates to sound 
granulation, after which other applications will make 
more favorable impression. 

The seed are a pleasant, mild, diffusive, aromatic, stim- 
ulating diuretic. It increases the watery discharge and 
with hepatics wil^ be found valuable in some forms of 
dropsy. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following for severe 
cases of general dropsy. To be used in conjunction with 
steam baths. 

Elix. Daucus Carota Sem. 
" Polytrichum Juniperinum aa. oz. iss 
" Cucurbita Citrullus oz. i 

.M S. One tablespoonful every hour. 

DELPHINIUM CONSOLIDA. 
Larkspur. 

This plant is a moderately stimulating diuretic and is 
somewhat emmenagogue. It influences the alvine mucous 
membrane and in large doses may produce emesis and ca- 
tharsis. Dr. F. G. Hoener says an infusion washed over a 
child's head, a few times will destroy insects. 

DENTARIA DIPHYLLA. 
Pepperwort. 

This root is a pleasant, diffusive, stimulating, tonic 
nervine. It influences the sympathetic and the peripheral 
nerves. 

In hot infusion it influences a good outward flow of blood 
and stimulates the capillaries. It is valuable in dysmen- 
orrhoea, colic, hysteria and general nervous weakness. It 
warms the surface and tones the nerves. 



DICENTKA. 219 

DTCENTRA CANADENSIS. 
Turkey Com. 

The root tubers are a positive systemic, stimulating 
alterant which influences the stomach and mucous mem- 
brane throughout, the secretory organs and the skin. It 
is stimulating to the salivary glands, warming to the 
stomach and invigorating to the whole circulation. In 
hot infusion it influences both the sudoriferous and the 
sebaceous glands. It is one of the best of stimulating 
alteratives. In fact all the excretive avenues of the body 
are more or less emptied of injurious and impure contents 
and all the secernents are rendered more active. It is just 
the agent for torpid, sluggish or depressed conditions. It 
is especially valuable in secondary syphilis, scrofula, chron- 
ic eruptive troubles and chronic rheumatism. In all such 
conditions it is one of the most valuable of stimulating 
alterants. 

F. E. Di centra Can. dr. iv 

" Arctium Lap. Sem. 

" Taraxacum Den. L. 

" Xanthoxylum Frax. 
Syr. Simplex ( 

F. E. Dicentra Can. 

Iris Versicolor 

Euonymous At. 

Celastrus Scan. 

Xanthoxylum F. 
Syr. Simplex < 



aa. 


dr. 


ii 




gtta. xx 


q. s. 


oz. 


iv 




dr. 


iv 




dr. 


ss 




dr. 


iii 




dr. 


ii 




gtt 


i. XX 


[. s. 


oz. 


iv 



F. E. Dicentra Can. 

4i Alnus Ser. 
; ' Meni-spermum Can. 
•' Arctium Lappa Sem. aa. dr. ii 
Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 



F. E. Dicentra Can. dr. iv 

" Iris Vers. 

•' Jeffersonia Diph. aa. dr. ii 
; ' Xanthoxylum Frax. gtta. xx 
Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv 

These 'are all good stimulating alterant preparations 
suitable for the treatment of secondary syphilis, scrofula 
and chronic eczema. 



220 DIETETICS. 

F. E. Dicentra Can. dr. iii 

" Taraxacum Dens. L. dr. iii 

" Xanthoxylum Frax. gtta. xx 

Inspissated Juice Phytolacca Bac q. s. oz. iv 
This is a good preparation for syphilitic rheumatism. 
F. E. Dicentra Can. 
" Rumex Cris. aa. dr. ii 

" Arctium Sem. dr. iv 

" Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good preparation for scaly eruptions, secondary 
syphilis and scrofula. 

DIERVILLA TRTFIDA. 

Gravel-weed- 

The bark is mildly stimulating to the mucous mem- 
brane, the skin and the kidneys. It is useful in the treat- 
ment of gonorrhoea, gleet, scrofula and skin troubles. It 
is best administered in an infusion of zingiber. 

The leaves are a mild stimulating diuretic. 

DIETETICS. 

Digestion, assimilation and disassimilation are purely 
vital acts. In no sense are they chemical. Chemistry is 
essentially integrative, but digestion is disintegrative 
through heat force. 

There is perhaps no subject of more importance for us to 
consider than that of food. It is that upon which we live 
and when properly selected, properly digested, properly 
assimilated and properly disassimilated adds length to our 
days and obtains for us much bodily and social pleasure. 

There is scarcely a subject of more importance to the 
physician or to the nurse. What shall be our food ? How 
shall it be prepared and given to meet the requirements of 
the patient ? It is often of principal importance that the 
physician give proper instructions to the nurse upon these 
questions. Sometimes it is of as much importance as med- 
ical discrimination. An error in lood may prove as disas- 
trous as an error in the administering of medicine, and 
may prove fatal to the patient of the otherwise most skill- 
ful physician. Especially is this true in typhoid fever. 

Of all things, proper feeding is of principal importance 
with the infant, and more especially in the summer season 
when there is so great tendency to cholera infantum. The 
great mass of cases of cholera infantum and summer dys- 



DIETETICS. 221 

pepsia come from administering improper food and from 
improper feeding. 

Nature has provided us with many foods; the industri- 
ous housewife and nurse have provided us with many more: 
and wherein these sources lack, the inventive genius of 
the pharmacist has come to our aid with a variety of pre- 
pared foods. 

Many a person has been rendered dyspeptic more or less 
through life by the way that person was fed during infancy 
and childhood, or if we may be permitted to go one step 
further back and say, by the way that person's mother 
lived and ate when he was en utero. 

To-day as a rule we are a race with rotten teeth, partly 
because our mothers lived on food that did not provide 
material out of which nature could manufacture tooth 
material, and partly because of our improper feeding dur- 
ing infancy and childhood, and partly because of the 
amount of destructive calomel and other poisons taken 
into the system that have been destructive to bioplasm 
and impoverishing to the blood current. 

Sugars, candies, pies and cakes are not the proper mate- 
rials out of which to manufacture children, whether it be 
pre-natal or subsequently. 

Proper feeding may do much for those children whose 
misfortune it has been to have one or both parents con- 
sumptive. Let the consumptive pregnant be properly fed 
and it may perhaps be a means of saving the child. 

Let every pregnant be instructed as to how she may 
escape the greater or less unpleasantness of the pregnant 
state, and that she is now manufacturing a human being, 
and that that being's future earthly happiness depends 
upon two things: the manner in which she lives, acts and 
feeds herself during this allotted time: and the manner in 
which she takes care of the child after birth, as to its feed- 
ing, clothing and association. During this allotted period 
her mental, physical and moral powers should be used for 
the development of that new being. Many a noble, patri- 
otic and positive man came from humble parentage, be- 
cause these elements were pre-natally established by a true 
mother. The question has been asked, how shall we pre- 
vent our jails and penitentiaries being filled with crimi- 
nals. One answer is evident. "Stop breeding them." This 
is theoretical but not practical. 

Health is thoroughly and practically the antithesis of 



222 DIETETICS. 

disease of every form and of every degree. The blood cur- 
rent is the citadel of life and of the great power of vital 
resistance and for bodily cleansing through its capillaries. 
Nutrition is life itself and is the result of alimentation, 
digestion, absorption, secretion and circulation. In pro- 
portion as any of these functions fail, nutrition becomes 
impaired. In the blood current we find the elements of 
nutrition necessary for the support of life, both the nitro- 
genous and the carbonaceous elements; the nitrogenous 
necessary for the supply of muscular force and the carbon- 
aceous for the supply of animal heat. Proper food must 
be supplied in proper proportions of these elements. 

If there be an inherited tendency to mal-nutrition, the 
blood is more likely to become contaminated and a weak- 
ened digestion established. The continuance of acute and 
chronic ailments furnishes a similar result. A deficient, 
excessive or improper supply of food will produce indiges- 
tion. So will the habitual use of alcoholics, opiates or 
tobacco. 

Food is either inorganic or organic. The inorganic con- 
sists of water and various saline elements. The organic- 
are either nitrogenous or non-nitrogenous; and the non- 
nitrogenous are either hydro-carbons or carbo-hydrates. 
The nitrogenous contribute to growth and nutrition and 
furnish the active agents of -the secretions. The hydro- 
carbons or fats are for the production of heat force. These 
are the basis of adipose tissue and are essential more or 
less to tissue development. Carbo-hydrates as starch and 
sugar assist in the formation of fats and are force produc- 
ing. Thus there is constantly developing new cellular 
growth, and new formed material is added to the body. 

Of some persons the nitrogenous element of food may be 
deficient, and even if the carbonaceous be abundant, debil- 
ity ensues. He may seem well and have sufficient fat 
about his person, but he will lack resistive ability. He is 
not muscular and has not the power of endurance. His 
development is chiefly adipose. 

But suppose the carbonaceous element is wanting while 
the nitrogenous is sufficiently prominent. The heat giv- 
ing element is deficient and he is chilly and soon becomes 
emaciated In some way to such a person fats must be 
supplied, whether per oram, per rectum or as a rubifacient. 
It must not be forgotten that a proper amount of exer- 
cise is absolutely essential in order to a proper assimilation 



DIETETICS. 223 

of nitrogenous food. Else it will not contribute to muscu- 
lar vigor so fully. The indolent person consumes more 
food, as a rule, than the man who toils hard from mornine 
till night. 

The excess of the nitrogenous is eliminated by way of 
the bowels and kidneys and the excess of the carbonaceous 
forms adipose tissue, an excess of which is likely to pro- 
duce more or less debility which may lead to some disease 
or at least degeneracy of tissue. 

Deficient or improper nutrition may render the system 
more liable to contagious maladies. It leads to degener- 
acy of tissue. 

Again let the general system be blockaded, the stomach 
foul, the liver torpid and bowels constipated, and such a 
one is a tit subject to contract almost any contagious dis- 
ease. Such a one has prepared a nest that germs love to 
revel in Micro-organisms of one variety or of another are 
more or less everywhere, in some things we eat, in some 
water we drink and in some air we breathe. When these 
find a proper soil in which to propagate within the system 
they multiply with wonderful rapidity. For the time 
being such conditions of indigestion more or less control 
the system and the degree of resistive vitality is lowered. 
Defective, improper or perverted nutrition here plays the 
disastrous part. 

Whether the defective nutrition be inherited or arising 
from some acute or chronic disease, such failure of assimi- 
lation results in an impoverished condition of the blood 
current which thus becomes more or less loaded with im- 
purities. 

Carefully diagnose wherein the blood current is deficient 
or abnormal; ascertain the needed elements and adminis- 
ter the proper food and medicine to meet the requirements 
of the case. But do not forget that man is vital and the 
supply should be such as the vital force can cheerfully 
recognize. Supply those materials in that form in which 
they will most readily be assimilate! Some propose to 
give the fresh blood itself, others prefer it in some manu- 
factured form. I belie » r e I have seen some cases where 
such have furnished good results. 

All the digestive fluids are alkaline except the gastric 
juice. The final mixture results in a neutral compound, 
else the blood plasma being slightly alkaline, an acid com- 
ing into contact therewith would derange the blood and 



224 DIETETICS. 

render it incapable to properly nourishing the body. 

Moleschott gives the following as an estimate for aver- 
age daily alimentation: 

Albuminous matter oz. 4.587 

Fatty matter ' k 2.964 

Carbo-hydrates " 14.250 

Salts " 1.058 

oz. 22.859 
Add to this the water in this food " 22.859 



oz. 45.718 
Then add to this the extra water drank. . '■ 45.718 

oz. 91.436 

This will be about the average amount of solid and liq- 
uid consumed daily by an adult in health. Of course this 
amount will differ in different persons, of different ages, 
under different circumstances and in different climates. 

Some nations are largely vegetarians. It has been said 
that the Brahmans lived entirely upon roots and vegeta- 
bles and that their longevity was very great. Some 
nations use chiefly the cereals, while others use largely of 
meats. Within the tropics man's living is mainly vegeta- 
ble, but in the arctic regions it is chiefly oleaginous; while 
in the temperate zones these two extremes are more or less 
combined. 

The laboring man requires more food and different food 
from that required by persons of sedentary habits. Many 
athletes while in training confine themselves to some form 
of prepared beet But under normal conditions some sub- 
stantial foods varied are best for the ordinary person in 
ordinary employment. 

In the reduction of fatty tissue the diet must be cut 
down to some prepared food, and that must be given only 
in such quantities as to relieve the system of hunger and 
to maintain the general vigor. The corpulent should 
avoid fat meats, butter, cream, sugar, sweetmeats, pastry 
and starches. The better foods for such persons are lean 
meats, eggs, green vegetables, fruits and these in very lim- 
ited quantities. 

In the treatment of acute diseases frequently it is almost 
impossible to do otherwise than to seek some carefully pre- 
pared food. A good cook is a queen in the sick-room, in 



DIETETICS. 225 

fact almost anywhere. But in the sick-room you do not 
always find a good cook. Sometimes your cook is worse 
than no cook at all. Then prepared foods are a necessity, 
indeed then they are a boon to the sick, and a relief to the 
physician. 

Physical exercise by the healthy must be proportioned 
to the quantity eaten, and vice versa. The sick who are 
not exercising at all must eat but little — iust enough to 
maintain the general system, and to prevent debility. 
Else the case may be prolonged and debility increased by 
the system being unable to dispose of the quantity of food 
supplied. It is then more a burden to vitality than a ben- 
efit, 

In chronic cases many times it has been found necessary 
to put the patient upon some prepared food before you can 
see any important change in his condition toward improve- 
ment. In anasmia, chlorosis and consumption, prepared 
foods are very essential. 

An irritable or very debilitated condition of the stomach 
not unfrequently renders rectal alimentation a necessity. 
In this way fatty, albuminous and mucilaginous matters 
may be introduced into the system and some of it taken 
up into the circulation. Milk, beef, starch, etc.. may be 
thus used. 

The following makes a very nutritious injection for rec- 
tal alimentation: 

Beef finely cut and blood warm oz. xxxii 
Water oz. xvi 

Hydochloric Acid gtta. xx v 

Pepsin dr. ss 

Keep this mixture at a temperature of 100 degrees F. 
Shake it occasionally and when disintegrated strain and 
add half a teaspoonful bicarbonate soda to neutralize the 
acid. 

Or the following may be used. Beat one egg well and 
add four tablespoonsful of beef essence. 

Always, if they will, let the bowels move first before 
giving rectal nourishment. 

Milk porridge by the using of graham flour may also be 
used in this way. 

Eggs and miik contain the elements of normal food per- 
haps more fully than any other edibles, whether animal or 
vegetable. The constituents of milk are usually stated 
about as follows: 



226 DIETETICS. 

Water 88 per cent. 

Oleaginous matter 3 " " Cream and butter. 

Nitrogenous matter 4 " " Cheese and albumen. 

Hydro-carbons 4i " " Sugar. 

Salinp mattprs * " " \ Phosphate of lime, 

valine matters 1 j chloride of sodiuril! &c . 

Man survives longest and develops best physically and 
intellectually upon a mixed diet. 

Of the foods taken from the animal and vegetable king, 
doms, that taken from the animal kingdom is as a rule the 
more easily appropriated by man's vital organism and 
more fully satisfies hunger at the time of participation 
and for a longer period of duration than do those foods 
taken from the vegetable kingdom. 

If we compare the nitrogenous elements in bread with 
that in milk, eight ounces of bread would be equal to a 
pint of milk, but the carbonaceous element in the bread 
exceeds that in the milk. 

Wheat is an excellent article of diet, but fine flour is 
constipating. Potatoes have about eighteen per cent, of 
starch and two per cent, of albumen. The sweet potato 
has about ten per cent, of sugar and about tlie same pro- 
portion of starch. Fruits contain more or less sugar. In 
milk, eggs, and meat the albumenoids predominate. But- 
ter contains mostly fats. The starches should not be 
omitted from our food. They have done much toward the 
eradication of scurvy at sea. 

Good cooking is an important factor, but to eat slowly 
to solicit the aid of all the saliva possible, and to rest for a 
short time after each meal are quite important. The 
American people are always in a hurry. This renders 
them nervous and any abuse tells more quickly on them 
than on those of easier habits. 

The Romans usually ate but twice a day. The English 
and the Germans eat from three to five times a day. 

The following animal foods are considered to be easy to 
digest: Raw eggs beaten to a froth, eggs soft boiled, beef 
tea free from fat, fresh milk, boiled mutton, boiled veni- 
son, boiled white part of the chicken, boiled rabbit, boiled 
fresh fish if not fat, etc. 

The following vegetable products are considered easy of 
digestion: Stale bread, graham bread, rice well boiled r 
tapioca, sago, corn starch, oatmeal porridge long boiled, 
dry toast, graham mush, cracked wheat, cauliflower. 



DIETETICS. 227 

asparagus, some preparations of beans, baked apples, 
strawberries, whortleberries, grapes without seeds or 
skins, oranges, etc. 

The child should not be nursed longer than from eight 
to ten months, and during this time the nursing mother 
should be well and properly fed. Her daily diet should be- 
about as follows: 

Meats oz. J 44 

Fats, butter and sugar oz. 13 

Farinaceous foods and vegetables oz. 20 
Salt, etc. oz. i 

Aqueous fluids G pints. 

If it agrees with the mother, cow's milk may be used, or 
a prepared milk if preferred. 

The milk as it flows from the mother's breast into the 
infant's mouth may be said to be still alive and it quickly 
becomes living blood in the infant's circulation. For the 
first six months the infant usually requires nothing else. 
By this period of nursing the uterus is better relieved, be- 
comes more contracted, ovulation is usually though not 
always longer deferred, and the whole pelvic viscera is 
better prepared for the future. 

But if the mother be suffering from any specific or other 
blood or lung trouble, or from general debility, the child 
should not nurse the mother at all. If she be otherwise 
healthy but does not herself furnish enough nurse for the 
child, a suitable substitute should be chosen for that part 
she is unable to furnish. 

One thing must never be forgotteu. The child must not 
be nursed while the mother is overheated. Many a case 
of cholera infantum has been induced by inattention to 
this, and such cases are usually very intractable. 

Cow's milk is richer in all its essential constituents than 
woman's milk, and goat's milk is richer still than cow's 
milk. Each of these if used as a substitute for mother's 
milk must be toned down with water more or less accord- 
ing to the age of the child. Allow the milk after being 
poured into a vessel to stand for an hour or more, then 
take of the upper half for the infant's food. If the infant 
be quite young add as much water as milk. As the child 
grows older the quantity of water may be slightly de- 
creased. Then too the child should be fed with as much 
regularity as possible. 

At the conclusion of parturition the child should not 



228 DIETETICS- 

ordinarily be separated from the mother until the pulse in 
the umbilical cord has ceased to beat. Many a child has 
been robbed of some vitality that it might have had, had 
it not been cut off too soon from the source of its foetal 
nutrition. 

It has been said that those children born in Winter and 
Spring have the greatest vitality. 

During the first days of the infant's life it seems to lose 
weight some little, at least it does not perceptibly gain in 
weight. 

In proportion to weight the infant takes four times as 
much food as the adult. Ordinarily if it be overfed of 
proper food it will vomit the superabundance. The dan- 
ger is when it is fed an excess of improper food. 

At first the babe should nurse, if awake, every two hours 
during the day and once or twice during the night. At 
each nursing during the first day the babe will take about 
from one to two drams. This quantity will be increased 
on the second day to five or six drams, and on the third 
day to an ounce at each nursing. By the fourth day this 
quantity will be increased to two ounces and thenceforward 
for perhaps three or four weeks it will range from two to 
three ounces, and this quantity will be taken from six to 
ten times in twenty-four hours. During the second month 
the child will take about four ounces and by the fourth 
month it will be increased to five or six ounces, but the 
frequency of nursing will now be reduced to from four to 
six times in twenty-four hours. 

Children require less variety of food and more in quan- 
tity than do older persons. Meat then once a day is 
enough. Milk, bread and butter are the requisite diet, 
with vegetables and fruits. 

Neglect not one thing. Instruct them positively to 
cultivate the habit of obtaining one good free passage 
from the bowels regularly every morning. 

From two to five years of age about twelve hours sleep 
are required. At seven or eight years of age the child's 
appetite is capricious and does not appreciate so much a 
plain diet, but care more for fruits and confections, much 
of which is more or less injurious. 

Rachitis is the result of improper feeding and of the use 
of improper food. 

Food or drinks much above 98 degrees F. retard diges- 
tion. Meats usually should be warm because digested 



DIETE1TCS. 229 

largely by the gastric juice. Farinaceous foods should be 
well boiled and then cooled. Foods at a high temperature 
are injurious to the teeth. Use sufficient water but not 
too much. Do not over-cook food, a too concentrated food 
is liable to produce indigestion. 

The nitrogenous element is essential for the day laborer, 
but for mental work an easy soluble mixed died is essen- 
tial. Never overload the stomach. Than to do this you 
will find it preferable to arise from the table slightly hun- 
gry. Rest half an hour before meals, eat slow and enjoy 
pleasant conversation, then rest for a half hour subse- 
quently. Never partake of a meal when you are over- 
excited, angry or overheated; indigestion will be the result. 

In sickness avoid such articles as will in any way in- 
crease the severity of the conditions present. If possible 
cause your foods to be curative as well as your medicines. 

In old age there is less growth and hence a less demand 
for food. 

In hysteria, hypochondriasis and insanity correct feed- 
ing is very important. And daily exercise and temperate 
habits are no less so. 

In febrile and acute inflammatory troubles, especially 
where there is a failure of digestive power, care must be 
taken not to administer too much food, and that proper 
food be administered regularly and in proper quantity. 
Beef-tea, mutton, veal or chicken broth, barley water, rice 
mucilage, fruit jellies, lemons and oranges are good, and 
in convalescence a raw egg in milk or wine, stale, bread, 
fish and game. 

In typhoid fever the stomach and bowels must scarcely 
be looked upon as digestive organs, but better as recepta- 
cles for food that has been more or less pre-digested. Thus 
absorption will quickly take place. In typhoid fever the 
stomach and the upper half of the smaller bowels are least 
affected, and from these portions most of the absorption of 
food takes place. In catarrhal conditions more or less of 
this power of absorption is lost. Fatty substances are 
rejected because principally absorbed by the lacteals. 
Boiled water improves digestion and prevents emacia- 
tion if systematically given. 

Raw white of egg and pepsin dissolved in cold water is 
very acceptable, being wholly digested and absorbed from 
the stomach. 

Raw milk is not the thing to be used in typhoid fever: 



230 DIETETICS. 

boiled milk is better, but even then it can only act as a 
salt and water, as neither the fat nor the casein can be 
fully absorbed. Hence if milk is given it is best in some 
pre-digested form. Junket or milk digested with rennet 
will give good results. 

In acute rheumatism and acute gout avoid nitrogenous 
foods. Albuminous foods contain nitrogen and are not to 
be used in rheumatism. The use of an excess of meats 
gives an excess of uric acid in the blood. A vegetable diet 
and alkaline waters are then to be preferred. 

In the treatment of gravel restrict to about the same 
diet as in rheumatism. 

In Bright's disease, atrophied liver and all the other 
degenerative diseases alcohol is very injurious, tending to 
greater arterial tension. Pre-digested milk and stale 
bread are best. Use mostly a vegetable diet and in cases 
of threatened urasmia add some little fats and carbo- 
hydrates may be added. Throw as little burden on the 
kidneys as possible. 

A weak and slow digestion demands great care of food 
and feeding. In cases where there is a deficiency of nerve 
power debar food for about from seven to nine hours be- 
tween meals. In other words, such should eat only when 
they must eat and not because it is meal time. Two meals 
are better in such cases than three meals. Mutton, chick- 
en, venison, lamb and beef are digestible in the order here 
given. Oatmeal gruel, chicken broth, meat jelly, meat 
soups supply the nitrogenous. 

In dyspepsia reduce the amount of food and the kinds of 
food to that which will be best suited to the particular 
case. Give the stomach but little to do, and yet sustain 
the general system. Avoid that which seems to hurt and 
use in great moderation that which agrees. In some cases 
it is best to give only one kind of food at a meal. Say 
partake of one meal in the day of vegetables, one of meats 
and one of bread. The starches are dissolved by the alka- 
line saliva, and meats are dissolved by the acid of the gas- 
tric juice. 

In diabetes melitis there is a want of assimilative power 
over the saccharine and starch elements, therefore avoid 
adding these as food. Animal food increases the acidity 
of the urine, and vegetable food decreases it. Hence care- 
fully examine the urine and feed the patient accordingly. 

In dysentery and diarrhoea use boiled milk, thickened 






DIETETICS. 231 

milk, fish, fresh game, boiled eggs, boiled meat, boiled 
rice, boiled barley, toast, crackers. 

Avoid salted or dried meats and vegetables. Use but 
little fluid. 

Add a few drops of gentian in a glass of water and give 
a teaspoonful every three hours. 

Scurvy has usually been the result of an improper diet, 
dry food, and improper water. Vegetables, fruits gener- 
al lv and lime-juice are best here. 

In habitual constipation prescribe graham cracker, or 
bread without fluid, oatmeal, corn meal, barley meal, or 
fruits. Such coarse foods irritate the mucous membrane 
sufficiently to start secretion and muscular contraction. 

The treatment of consumption is largely dietetic. Con- 
sumptive mothers should not be allowed to nurse children. 
The greatest care must be taken to use nothing that will 
spoil the appetite. Watch the assimilative process and 
make everything tend to improve the appetite. 

I now take pleasure in introducing some digestive prepa- 
ration* from some of our most reliable Manufacturing 
Chemists. These preparations are especially valuable in 
wasting diseases and where there are digestive failures. 

PROTONUCLEIN. 

Manufactured by Reed and Cam rick. New York. 

Protonuciein is derived from all the available lymphoid 
structures of healthy bullocks and pigs. The brain sub- 
stance, salivary, thyroid, thymus, gastric and intestinal 
glands, pancreas and spleen are used. Thecellulary active 
constituents are separated by a mechanical process, which 
does not alter the form in which they exist in the living 
glands. Metchinkoff. who discovered the nature and func- 
tion of the leucocyte, stated that in his opinion ''the secret 
of health will have been discovered when science learns 
how to increase the number of white corpuscles at will." 
Protonuciein produces leucocytosis as soon as taken into 
the organism, and in this way becomes ' nature's tissue 
b rilder and antitoxic principle. 

Protonuciein is indicated in all forms of wasting diseases 
and asthenic conditions. It rapidly restores the vitality 
of all the tissues by stimulating and supporting assimi- 
lative nutrition. It is also indicated in all diseases due to 
toxic germs, and in the treatment of neoplasms, ulcers and 
all surface lesions, malignant or otherwise: also as prophy- 



:P 



232 DIETETICS. 

lactic in exposure to contagion or infection. 

Protonuclein is prepared in three forms, Tablets and 
Powder, prepared especially for internal use, and Proto- 
nuclein Special for local applications and for hypodermic 
use. 

Nutrition is the important factor both in growth and in 
the prevention of disease. There is no doubt that the 
leucocytes of the blood have much to do with nutrition, 
and by properly sustaining their number and vitality, 
physiological conditions are restored. 

Protonuclein may be administered in doses of one to 
three tablets, or three to nine grains of the powder, every 
three or four hours. It is valuable in bronchitis, tonsil itis, 
laryngitis, pneumonia, diphtheria, typhoid fever, ovarian 
troubles, abscesses, anaemia, Bright's disease, cancer, neu- 
rasthenia, phthisis, etc. 

PEPTENZYME. 

This is a perfect digestant, a prompt and efficient physi- 
ological remedy for dyspepsia, vomiting, cholera infantum, 
malnutrition in its various forms. It contains all the 
ferments furnished by nature for the digestion af all kinds 
of food. The best results are obtained by administering it 
about twenty minutes before and immediately after meals. 

CAKNRICK'S SOLUBLE FOOD. 

We have used this food for years, and know it to be 
excellent for children, a preventive of cholera infantum 
or a cure for it. It will not fail you. 

Ansemiol is made by H. K. Wampole & Co., U is a 
distinctive preparation of beef containing haemoglobin 
and albumin, highly nutritious, restorative and tonic. 

It contains all the nutritious albuminous constituents 
of meat tissue unaltered. The bright red arterial color of 
the preparation is due to haemoglobin, the natural proteid 
of iron contained in blood and meat, which has been proven 
by clinical tests to be more readily and completely absorbed 
than any other form of iron known. This is one of the best, 
it not the best preparation on the market. It is easily di- 
gested and absorbed without forming hard faeces, and hence 
is especially valuable in typhoid fever, chronic diarrhoea, 
gastric catarrh, sickness of pregnancy, phthisis, anaemia 
and chlorosis. 



DIETETICS. 233 

H. K. Wampole&Co.'s Liquid Wheat is an excellent prep- 
aration. Each teaspoonful represents one ounce of the 
whole wheat grain in perfect solution and i grain of pen- 
sin containing ov-r seven per cent, of the nutrient vital- 
ized hypophosphites and oleo-nitrogenous hypoptu sptiftes 
obtained solely from wheat, principally from the germ and 
cortical portion. It is rich in gluten and albumen and con- 
tains over four per cent, oil of wheat, and the wheat starch 
is converted into maltose, a direct force and fat producer. 
It is an ideal nutrient for anaemic cases, a fat and flesh 
producing food. 

It contains all the elements of nutiition easily assimilat- 
ed without digestive effort. It is a brain and nerve food, 
valuable in nervous prost ration and debility, fatigue of body 
and mind, lassitude, insomniaand for anaemic pregnants. 
It enriches the milk of the nursing mother and assists 
the babe in cholera infantum. 

Why is it that we have but few children over eight years 
old who have perfect teeth? 

There has been something wronji in the material out of 
which they were made and grew. 

Liquid wheat is a palatable and nourishing food, it gives 
to the system those valuable organic and vitalized phos- 
phatic elements so deficient in the food which children and 
the sick will ordinarily eat. 

McCoy, Howe Co.. Indianapolis, manufacture liquid acid 
phosphates, a brain and nerve food for mental exhaustion, 
insomnia and melancholia. 

Pepsin is the active digesting principle of gastric juice, 
mostly obtained from the stomach of the hog. This is 
much stronger than that obtained from the stomach of 
the calf, but calf pepsin is best for children. It is best 
triturated on sugar, and in conjunction with tonic medi- 
cines. It is best dissolved in a little lemon juice, vinegar 
or glycerine. 

Dr. G. H. Mayhugh uses the following: 
Pepsin C. P. grs. ii 

Pancreatine C. P. gr. i 

Diastasi gr. i 

Lactic Acid gr. 1-16 

Hydrastin gr. 1-16 

M. Trit. Make into one tablet. 
Sig. One to three tablets after meals. 



2S4 DIETETICS. 

Sacch. Pepsin , gr. i 

Charcoal grs. ii 

Soda Bicarb. grs. ii 

This forms an absorbent for dyspeptics troubled with 
fermentation. 

Sacch. Pepsin 3 

Sub. Nit. Bismuth 2 

may be used in summer complaint of children. 

Lactopeptine is pepsin and lactic acid with sugar of 
milk. 

Ingluvin from the ventriculus callosus gallinaceous is a 
superior digestant, and is much used for the vomiting of 
pregnancy and with good success. 

Pancreatine is a similar preparation to pepsin only pre- 
pared from the pancreas instead of the stomach. It is fre- 
quently combined with pepsin and gives excellent result*. 
Many of the malt preparations also serve an excellent 
purpose. 

I conclude this article by appending some excellent 
dishes for the sick and the convalescent. 

Beef Tea. 
Take one pound or more of lean beef, cut into small 
pieces, add salt and put into a self-sealing glass jar. Cover 
tight and put the jar upon a thin piece of wood in a kettle 
of cold water filled as high as the beef in the jar. Boil 
from two to four hours, adding water to keep it as high as 
at first. This prepares an excellent essence. 

Mutton Broth. 

Take one pound of lean mutton, cut small; one quart of 
cold water; one tablespoonful of rice or barley soaked in a 
little warm water; four tablespoonsful of milk, salt and 
pepper to suit. A little parsley finely cut may be added. 

Boil the meat covered and unsalted in the water until it 
falls to pieces. Strain it out", and add the barley or rice. 
Simmer a half hour and stir in the seasoning and milk. 
Then simmer five minutes. Some crackers may be added 
if desirable. 

Chicken Broth. 
Make the same as the above. 

Chicken Jelly. 
Take half a raw chicken, pound with a mallet and add 



DIETETICS. 235 

water to cover. Heat in a covered vessel for about two 
hours, until the liquid is reduced one-half. Press through 
a colander, salt to taste and then simmer five minutes. 
Keep on ice and use on stale bread. 

Chicken Panada. 
Boil a chicken, take the breast and pound it fine. Sea- 
son with salt, nutmeg and lemon-peel, and boil gently until 
a little thickened but so that it can be drank.. 

Calf's Foot Jelly. 

Take one pair of calf's feet and put into a gallon of wa- 
ter. Boil down half, skim, strain and cool. Take the fat 
off the top. Then warm and add sugar, the juice of three 
lemons, one pint of wine, the whites of seven eggs. Boil 
half an hour, strain and cool. 

Milk Gruel. 

Take one pint scalding milk, two tablespoonsful of tine 
oatmeal, one pint of boiling water. Cook until done. 

Milk Porridge. 
Soak two teacupfuls of oatmeal in water over night. In 
the morning strain and boil the water half an hour, add 
two cupsful of milk and a little salt and boil well. Eat 
warm. Sweeten a little if desired 

Thickened Milk. 
Mix well a little milk, a little flour and a little salt. 
Add a quart of boiling milk. Stir well and bring to a boil. 
Serve alone or with dry toast. If it is to be used during a 
case of diarrhoea, scorch the flour before mixing with the 
milk. 

Rice Milk. 
Boil the rice in a water bath till it swells and softens. 
Add some milk, sugar and nutmeg and if desirable add a 
little well dissolved flour or beaten egg. 

Egg and Milk. 
Take the white of 'an egg and milk. Beat the white of 
the egg to a froth and stir quickly into a glass of milk. 



236 DIETETICS. 

Egg Cream. 
Beat a raw egg to a stiff froth, and add a tablespoon ful of 
white sugar and two tablespoonsful of blackberry wine 
and half a glass of cream. Beat all well together. 

Wine Whey. 
Sweeten one pint of milk to taste and when boiling 
throw in two glasses of sherry wine. When the curd forms 
strain the whey through a muslin cloth into glasses. 

Lemon Whey. 
Take the juice of two lemons or twice as much vinegar 
to a quart of milk heated till the curd is well formed. 
Then strain. This whey is a pleasant and nourishing food. 
A little powdered cinnamon and sugar makes an excellent 
drink to be given during the treatment of dysentery and 
diarrhoea. 

Egg Wine. 
Break a fresh egg into a glass, beat until very light, 
sweeten and add a tablespoonful of wine and beat again. 

Egg-JVog. 
To the yolk of an egg add a tablespoonful of sugar, the i 
of a pint of new milk, and two tablespoonsful of sherry 
wine. Beat the white of the egg separately and stir into 
the mixture. 

Egg and Water. 

Stir the white of an egg into water as warm as it can be 
without coagulating. This is excellent for infants or 
adults where there is a disordered digestion. 

Egg Gruel. 
Beat the yolk of one egg with one tablespoonful of sugar. 
Pour on one teacup of boiling water. Beat the white of 
the egg to a froth and add. Take while warm. 

Soft Boiled Eggs. 
Put the eggs into a pan of boiling water and put on the 
stove where they will not boil and keep them there for 
several minutes. Such eggs will be much like jelly, soft 
and very digestible. 



DIETETIC S. 237 

Oatmeal Gruel. 

Soak a handful of oatmeal over night in water. In the 
morning pour off the water and add a pint of fresh water. 
Stir well, add salt and boil an hour and a half. 

Or cook two tablespoonsful of oatmeal in a quart of water 
at least two hours by simmering 

(^om-Meal Gruel. 

Thoroughly mix one tablespoonful of fine corn-meal in 

water. Add a little salt and a pint of boiling water and 

boil half an hour. Add a little more water as it boils 

down. Frequently stir and add a tablespoonful of cream. 

Arrow-Root Broth. 
Put a little lemon-juice, sugar, nutmeg and salt in half a 
pint of water. Dissolve a tablespoonful of arrow- root in a 
little water and add. Then boil five minutes and take 
warm. 

Arrow-Root Jelly. 
In one pint of water boil a little cinnamon or lemon-peel, 
and add two tablespoonsful of arrow-root dissolved in a 
little water. Boil ten minutes, strain, salt and add sugar, 
wine and nutmeg. 

Barley Water. 

Cook the barley five or ten minutes, strain and add two 
quarts of boiling water. Boil to one quart and flavor with 
lemon-juice. More water may be added if desired. 

Or, 

Soak 1 pt. of barley in lukewarm water a few minutes 
and drain off. Add three quarts of cold water and cook 
slowly till soft. Skim occasionally and when cold flavor 
with jelly or lemonade. 

Cracker Panada. 
Split half a dozen crackers and pile in a bowl in layers 
with a little salt and sugar. Cover with boiling water and 
set on the back part of the stove for an hour. Then add 
sugar to suit the taste. 

Bread Panada. 
Into a little water add some wine, sugar, nutmeg and 
lemon-peel. The moment it comes to a boil stir in a few 



238 DIETETICS. 

crumbs of stale bread. Boil about five minutes. 

Soft Toast. 
Toast well some thin slices of bread. Put them upon a 
warm plate and pour a little boiling water over it, cover 
quickly with another plate of the same size and drain off 
the water. Then remove the upper plate and butter the 
toast. Put now into the oven for one minute and then 
take out and cover again with the plate and serve at once. 

Toast Water. 
Toast stale bread brown, but do not allow it to burn. 
Break into a bowl and pour on boiling water. Then al- 
low to cool . 

Lemonade. 

Slice two or three lemons into one quart of cold water. 
Add four tablespoonsf ul of granulated sugar. This should 
be used occasionally at dinner during the summer season, 
also in some cases of rheumatism, in malarial and typhoid 
fevers and in convalescence therefrom. 

A hot lemonade may prove diaphoretic in cases of colds. 

Cracked Wheat. 
Put a teacupful of cracked wheat and a little salt into a 
quart of hot water. Boil slowly for one hour. Then add 
sugar and cream. 

Onion Soup. 
Slice sufficient onions, fry brown in a little butter and 
fine flour. Pour into a saucepan and add q. s. milk, three 
parts milk and water one part. Season to suit the taste 
and add one grated potato. Then cook some ten minutes 
aild add some sweet cream. 

Roasted or Baked Potato. 
Wash well and bake with skins on till well done. 

Rice and Apple. 
Cook apples to a pulp and sweeten. Boil the rice in milk 
till tender and mix the two. 

Appleade. 
Cut two large apples in slices and pour on one pint 



DIETETICS. 239 

of boiling water; strain, sweeten and cool before drinking. 

Apple Water. 
Roast two large, tart apples until soft. Put into a 
pitcher, and add a pint of cold water, and stand in a cool 
lace for an hour. 

Roasted Apples. 
Take large, tart apples, wipe clean, extract the core and 
put into a pan. Then partly fill with sugar the opening 
out of which the core was taken and bake for one hour. 

Dried Fruit Water. 

Several of the dried fruits, as apples, peaches, apricots, 
etc., may be washed, and then stand in water over night. 
Then stew. The water will be found quite pleasant and 
nutritious. 

Jelly Waters- 

A little jelly may be added to some water. It is a good 
appetizing drink. Such jellies as currant, cherry, plum, 
elderberry, grape or apple may be profitably used in this 
way. 

DIOSCOREA VILLOSA. 
Wild Yam. 

The root is a gently stimulating and relaxing, antispas- 
modic nervine. It is quite positive in character and its 
action is peculiar to itself. 

In bilious colic it is a superior agent, also in cholera 
morbus, flatulence, and in almost any painful condition. 
In neuralgia of almost any part of the body it affords won- 
derful relief. In facial neuralgia it affords quick relief 
and that relief is quite permanent. In nervous rheuma- 
tism it soothes, relaxes and tones. 
Dioscorine 

Salicylate Sodium aa. equal parts 
, Or 

Dioscorine 

Sorbili n aa. equal parts. 
Either of these preparations gives admirable results in 
rheumatic pains. 
For uterine pains but few things equal it and for after- 



240 DIOSCOREA. 

pains it is surpassed by no other agent. For uterine neu- 
ralgia use the following: 
F. E. Dioscorea Vil. 
" Valeriana Off. aa. dr. vi 

" Cimicifuga Rac. 
t; Xanthoxylum Frax. aa. dr. ii 
Ess. Anise q. s. 

Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. viii 

For nervousness, restlessness and pains incident to preg- 
nancy there is nothing equal to dioscorea. It may be given 
throughout the whole period of pregnancy with the very 
best of results. It gives ease and comfort and quiets nau- 
sea. Especially to nervous females it is quite relieving in 
the preliminary stage of parturiency. It quiets the nerves 
and enables the patient to do more vigorous labor. It is 
also a superior preventive of miscarriage. 
Dioscorea Vil. 4 

Zingiber Off. 1 

The diffusiveness of the zingiber added to the antispas- 
modic influence of the dioscorea, especially if given in hot 
infusion, gives admirable results in dysmenorrhoea, relieves 
the uterine hyperaemia and produces a good outward flow 
of blood, both to the surface and also locally as a menstru- 
al flow. 

Dioscorine is a good preparation of this agent. For 
quicker results this may be used in hot infusion of zingi- 
ber or even alone in hot water. 

The fluid extract is a good preparation but it is very lia- 
ble to gelatinize. 

F. E. Dioscorea dr. i to ii 

" Zingiber gtta. v to x 

Comp. Syr. Rhei et Potas. q. s. oz. iv 
Sig. Half teaspoon t'ul as needed for the colic of children. 
It is a good remedy. 

F. E. Dioscorea Vil. - 3 

" Viburnum Op. 1 

" Mitchella Rep. 4 

This is a splendid female tonic for crampings, pains and 
nervousness. 

F. E. Dioscorea Vil. 
•' Mitchella Rep. 
" Aletris Far. aa. 2 

" Viburnum Prunif. I 

This is an excellent preparation for the preventing of 



DISINFECTANTS. 241 

miscarriage and the relief of the pain premonitory thereto. 

DIOSPYROS VIRGINIAN A. 
Persimmon. 

The bark is a bitter, stimulating and astringent, nervine 
tonic. 

Small portions are a good appetizer and a sustaining 
nervine. It is a pleasant tonic for convalescence, espe- 
cially when thsre is a tendency to too much freeness of 
the bowels. In chronic diarrhoea its nervine tonic influ- 
ence is very favorable. It possesses not only the necessary 
^stringency, but has the influence of a permanent tonic. 
In phthisis where there is a general laxity of the system, 
more or less diarrhoea, too free expectoration, night sweats 
and poor appetite this is just the agent. Of course the 
continued use of this agent must depend, like that of* other 
agents — upon the necessity therefor. 

DISINFECTION AND DISINFECTANTS. 

The Latin conttigiuin indicates that material in which 
resides the infective power of certain diseases. This pow- 
er of contagiousness pertains to quite a number of diseases 
and is not alone confined to man. Domestic animals and 
even the vegetable kingdom are each more or less subjects 
of special contagious diseases. These latter phases of con- 
tagion we shall not here discuss, nevertheless they are 
interesting to us in many ways. 

The word contagion {contlngo) implies the existence in 
some way of material contact. Whenever this material, 
whatever it may be, finds admission to the system and 
finds therein suitable substance adapted to its growth, it 
grows, and multiplies as rapidly as the conditions will .per- 
mit. Why not then assume that contagui are material in 
some way endowed with life ? Whether this be true of all 
or not, it certainly is true of some at least. 

Some parasitic diseases spread by direct contagion or 
ordinary contact; as by the acari in scabies, and by the 
spores of the microphyte in tinea capitis. 

Trichiniasis is produced by the eating of raw or imper- 
fectly cooked pork affected with trichinae. Thus the para- 
site eggs or larvae still living are introduced into the sys- 
tem. 

Those persons given to the eating of raw beef occasion- 
ally suffer from attacks of taenia. 



242 DISINFECTANTS. 

In all cases of contagion the severity of the disease con. 
tracted is largely due to the clogged condition of the 
person's system and to the ability of his vitality to resist 
such incursion. 

Each contagium propagates itself in its own form and 
never in any other form. As in small-pox. measles, scarla- 
tina, whooping-cough, typhoid fever, typhus fever, yellow 
fever, cholera, mumps, syphilis, gonorrhoea, venereal soft- 
chancre, chicken-pox, diphtheria, erysipelas, hospital gan- 
grene, purulent and other ophthalmia, puerperal fever, 
phagedaenia, tuberculosis, cancer and hydrophobia. 

Tuberculosis and some other forms of disease are occa- 
sionally derived from milk taken from diseased animals. 

Some contagia show a particular affinity for some organs 
or parts, though the whole system may become affected by 
it; as small-pox for the face, mumps for the parotid glands, 
syphilis and gonorrhoea for the genitals, and typhoid fever 
for the bowels. 

Different persons and different families show different 
susceptibility for contagion and in fact for all diseases. 
Some are more susceptible than others and some have more 
vitality to resist disease or to endure its influence. 

Then too there is in some persons and in some families 
an inherited tendency to consumption, cancer or some 
other form of disease. 

In all these contagia we find a more or less definite 
course of duration. 

It is also true of some contagia that those who once suf- 
fer with it have immunity from it for the future; as scar- 
latina; while in other diseases having been once affected 
gives a liability to a second or further attacks. 

We also find that a contagion may be worse in some com- 
munities than in other communities; that it may be of a 
more malignant type some years than other years. 

In the passage of contagia various media may be instru- 
mental, as bedding, towels, dirty hands, unclean instru- 
ments, cooking or other utensils, foul or deficient water 
supply, cohabitation, house drains, contaminated food or 
the atmosphere. 

The disengagement of infectious products from the body 
of the sick and the establishing of communication with 
a diseased body bringing its products into relation to the 
healthy person is pathalogically the one influential factor. 

The air seems to purify space from the presence of some 






DISINFECTANTS. 243 

cootagia. and in other cases the air seems to be the means 
by which contagion is spread, as in la grippe. 

Tuberculosis is conveyable to the foetus by cohabitation 
and so are alcoholism, syphilis and other forms of disease 
that have become thoroughly septic to the blood of a pro- 
genitor. 

Much trouble may be caused by continually inhaling in 
a close room the breath of a consumptive, a typhoid or a 
diphtheritic case. Ventilate thoroughly but cautiously. 

In treating cancerous, syphilitic or other sores possess- 
ing some degree of malignancy great care should be taken 
that your own hands are free from any denuded surfaces, 
else inoculation to some extent may take place. 

But the broken skin or the denuded mucous membrane 
are not always necessary to transmitting, as in cases of 
ophthalmia from one eye to another on the same or on dif- 
ferent persons. And also in the transmitting of gonor- 
rhoea and syphilis. In all such the mucous membrane 
being very thin, and the discharges in either case being 
very irritating, the mucous membrane soon becomes irri- 
tated and absorbs the virus. 

In vaccination the surface is denuded and the virus is 
absorbed; and if the vaccine be pure bovine vaccine virus 
the inoculated disease will be much lighter than the dis- 
ease itself. But vaccination from virus taken from other 
persons has many a time inoculated some disease worse 
than small-pox. 

Periods of incubation differ in different diseases. In 
hydrophobia it is usually one or more months. In syphilis 
it is from two to five weeks, and nearly three months elapse 
before the appearance of the roseola. In small-pox the 
incubative period is about ten or twelve days and the erup- 
tion appears some two or three days later. Measles and 
scarlatina have about the same length of incubative peri- 
od, some nine or ten days; but while the eruption does not 
appear in measles until the fourth day, that of scarlatina 
appears on the second day of the fever stage. 

During epidemics usually but one contagious disease 
prevails and nearly every other disease will be found to 
partake more or less of the characteristics of that conta- 
gion. This is especially true of la grippe. 

Sporadic cases if not properly cared for may lead to epi- 
demics, and these epidemics may be local or extend over 
one or more nations. 



244 DISINFECTANTS. 

In order to establish the proper means for preventing 
the spread of contagious diseases we must consider the 
means by which they are spread, whether it be the air. 
the drinking water, the food, the surroundings, or whether 
it be transferred direct from one person to another. The 
following will do much toward checking the spread of 
contagion: 

1. Isolation of the sick. 

2. The use of more or less continuous disinfection dur- 
ing the continuance cf the diseased condition. 

3. Maintain cleanliness of the person and the apart- 
ment Maintain a proper temperature and give good 
ventilation. 

4. The physician should make his visits short, and the 
nurses should be careful not to mingle with the rest of the 
family. 

5. Food and medicine should not be long exposed to the 
air of the room; they will absorb contagious effluvia. 

6. Oiling of the surface of the body in scarlatina wiil 
be of great benefit to prevent the scales from being carried 
by the air. In small-pox it will prevent pitting. 

7. Thoroughly disinfecting the room and the entire 
house and all things that had any relation to the room or 
the patient, when the patient shall have been ready to 
leave the room. 

8. In venereal troubles positive abstinence must be 
maintained. 

Disinfectants are agents employed in preventing the 
spread of contagion. 

The *-fficiency of any disinfectant is due to its power to 
destroy or at least to render inert whatever specific poison 
or disease germs may be exerting an influence in each par- 
ticular case. 

Deodorizers act by oxidizing or otherwise changing the 
chemical constitution of volatile substances disseminated 
in the air. Such also prevent noxious exhalations from 
organic substances. Hence deodorizers may be disinfect- 
ants in certain diseases, but all deodorizers are not neces- 
sarily disinfectants. 

A free atmosphere, pue water, dry earth, heat and cold 
are very powerful disinfecting media. 

Artificial disinfectants are either vaporizable and cleanse 
the air, or are chemical agents for rendering inert all in- 
fectious discharges. 



DISINFECTANTS. 215 

The use of sulphurous anhydride gas obtained by burn- 
ing sulphur is unequalled as a means of purifying the air 
and of thorough disinfection- 
Disinfectants may be classified as solid, liquid and 
guseous. 

To the solid belong dry earth, quicklime, charcoal, cal- 
cium, magnesium carbonate, a mixture of lime and coal 
tar, etc. 

To the liquid belong solutions of potassium permanga- 
nate, zinc chloride and lead nitrate. 

To the yaseous belong ozone, chlorine, iodine, bromine: 
nitrous, sulphurous and hydrochloric acids; carbolic acid, 
tar fumes, acetic acid, ammonia. 

Deodorizers do not always disinfect. They may absorb 
offensive gasses and liquids, as when water absorbs hydro- 
gen sulphuret or the earth absorbs foul drainage, but heat 
may drive the hydrogen compound again into the air. 

Rain may wash impurities into open wells, or wells may 
be so nearly dry as to become more or less putrid. 

The boiling of water is one of the best means of purify- 
ing it. 

Instead of throwing disinfectants into manure heaps. 
pile them so that they will quickly heat, and they will 
soon be disinfected. 

Heat is one of the most powerful of disinfectants. This 
is true whether it be dry or moist heat. An intermitting 
high temperature is best. It need not exceed 220 degrees 
F. for one hour. 

Clothing may be baked thus or they may be boiled in 
water with some soda; or any of the following may be 
added: Either commercial chloride of lime, 2 ounces to 
the gallon of water, or 1 ounce of sulphate of zinc, or half 
an ounce ol chloride of zinc, or a five percent, carbolic 
solution may be used. 

Sulphate of Zinc oz. iv 

Salt oz. ii 

Water 1 gal. 

This also may be used to disinfect clothing, it must be 
used boiling hot. 

Sulphur dioocide in aqueous solution contains sulphu- 
rous acid. It is one of the most powerful of disinfectants. 
It destroys sulphuretted hydrogen and combines with am- 
monia. As to its disinfective power there is no question. 
Its suffocative odor is the chief objection to its nse. The 



246 DISINFECTANTS. 

solution can be made by deoxidizing hot concentrated sul- 
phuric acid with copper turnings or charcoal. 

Sulphur dioxide should not be used in conjunction with 
either chlorine or permanganate of potash for they mutu- 
ally destroy each other. 

The room to be thoroughly disinfected should be kept 
saturated with the gas for not less than an hour. 

For general disinfecting purposes the sulphur may be 
burned in small quantities every six to nine hours during 
the continuance of a contagious disease. It is especially 
valuable in diphtheria, scarlatina and small-pox. In thor- 
oughly disinfecting a room one pound of sulphur should be 
used for each 1,000 cubic feet. One pound when burned it 
has been estimated produces 11.7 cubic feet of sulphur di- 
oxide gas. 

Chlorine is most easily obtained from chloride of lime 
by adding either hydrochloric or sulphurous acid; or some 
crystals of potassium chlorate may be placed into a wide- 
mouth bottle containing dilute hydrochloric acid. This 
allows the gradual discharge of euchlorine or protoxide of 
chlorine, which is more agreeable and more effective than 
chlorine. Chlorine is soluble in water to the extent of 2-k 
volumes in one, and this solution will be found valuable 
for disinfecting purposes. As a deodorizer enough euchlo- 
rine may be expelled from moist chloride of lime by the 
carbonic acid of the air for most purposes. 

The chloride of lime or bleaching powder gives off chlo- 
rine easily. It forms a cheap and valuable disinfecting 
powder. 

Quicklime does well as a disinfecting whitewash and 
for drains. 

Carbolic acid solution 5 per cent, is a good disinfectant. 
The chief objection to it is its odor. 

Ozone is a powerful agent. It oxidizes organic matter 
and so destroys odors and organic germs. It is produced 
by half immersing a stick of phosphorus in tepid water, or 
by gradually mixing two parts of permanganate of potas- 
sium with three parts of strong sulphuric acid. 

Permanganate of potassium is non-poisonous and is a 
good deodorizer. It is odorless and its aqueous solution 
)oses its color as it becomes exhausted. It should be dis- 
solved in water and used in plates or other large open sur- 
faces. 

It is an absorbent of gasses as well as a deodorant. If 



DISINFECTANTS. 247 

oxidizes and destroys contagia and putrid matters, but its 
best use is as a deodorant. 

Charcoal is a powerful absorbent of passes and is valu- 
able for drains, water closets, etc. 

Broino-chloralum is a non-poisonous compound, a dis- 
infectant and deodorizer of some merit. 

Smoke from burning wood, paper or green coffee forms 
good deodorizers. The last mentioned is especially valu- 
able during the continuance of small-pox. 

The hyposulphite and sulphite of soda arrest putres- 
cence and can be used internally if desired. 

Sulphate of copper or blue vitriol dissolved in water is 
a good, cheap disinfectant for vaults, drains, privies and 
bed- vessels. 

Pul. Copperas 1 

Fresh Pul. Charcoal 2 

Or 

Copperas I lb. 

Water 1 gal. 

Either of these is cheap and leliable. 
Dissolve nitrate of lead dr. i 

in boiling water pt. i 

Add to this 
Salt dr. ii 

in a bucket of water. 
This gives chloride of lead, which is excellent for the 
foetor of gangrene and small-pox. It sweetens the air im- 
mediately. 

DOREMA AMMONIACUM. 
Gum Annnoriiacufn. Persia. 

The juice is gathered from incisions in the bark and 
when this becomes dry it assumes the form of a gum-resin. 
It is a diffusive of moderately stimulating and relaxing 
power, influencing the mucous membrane, and in hot infu- 
sion it influences the skin and general circulation. 

The odor is rather disagreeable and the taste is rather 
bitter and nauseating. In large doses it is cathartic. By 
the combining of particular agents it may be made to be 
diaphoretic, expectorant, diuretic or emmenagogue. 

DORSTENIA CONTRAYERVA. 
Contrayerva . 
The root is a diffusive, stimulating, mucilaginous tonic. 



248 ECHINACEA. 

In hot infusion it sustains the capillary circulation and 
promotes diaphoresis and thence soothes the nervous sys- 
tem. 

In scarlatina, measles, small-pox and other exanthemata 
it arouses the circulation and hastens the eruption. It is 
also valuable in typhoid and other fevers as a stimulating: 
diaphoretic. 

In local and general congestions it relieves the surface 
by relieving the capillary circulation, if gWen in hot infu- 
sion. 

In cold infusion it influences the alvine mucous mem- 
brane and the kidneys. 

DROSERA ROTUNDIFOL1A. 
Sundew, Youthwort. Eastern and Southern V . S. 

This plant grows in marshy places and peat bogs, and is 
covered with a chaff-like coat. Its flowers are white. 

It is considerably valued in pertussis, where from 2 to 4 
drops may be given every 3 or 4 hours. It is also recom- 
mended in asthma, chronic bronchitis, dry hacking coughs, 
nervous or sympathetic coughs arising from pulmonary, 
cardiac or gastric disease. It is also spoken of in gastric 
troubles where there is flatulence, catarrhal or ulcerous 
conditions. 

ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA. 

Echinacea, Black Samson, Western U. S. 

This is a perennial herb with thick black roots and pun- 
gent taste. 

The root is a stimulating, antiseptic alterative, some- 
what like xanthoxylum. 

In puerperal septicaemia give half to one teaspoonful 
every four hours, or a half teaspoonful from two to four 
hours. 

F. E. Echinacea Aug. dr. ii 

Ess. Pepsin oz. ii 

Grive a teaspoonful every four hours in cases of pelvic 
abscess. 

Echinacea and lycopodium make a very good application 
for carbuncles and boils. Then give 
F. E. Echinacea Ang. 
Syr. Simpl. aa. equal parts. 

M. Sig. One dram three to six times a day. 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 24U 

This may be alternated with 
Lyc( »podium gtta v 

Peroxide Hydrogen dr. ss 

11 times daily. 

Apply a poultice of flaxseed, lobelia, ulmus and capsicum 
wet with echinacea twice a day for four days. Put a nap- 
kin ring around the carbuncle and pour in a dram of per- 
oxide hydrogen and let it foam for a few minutes twice a 
day. 

In consumption give of echinacea 10 to 15 drops three 
times a day, and also the peroxide of hydrogen in dose of 
half to one dram three times a day. Lycopus virg. may be 
added five or six times a day in doses of ten drops. 
For black tongue use 
F. E. Echinacea Ang. dr. i or more 

Aqua Dis. q. s. oz. iv 

Sig. One dram may be given every three hours for low 
septic conditions. 

In case of scorpion sting apply fid. ext. echinacea ang 
every 10 or 15 minutes and give per oram also 
F. E. Echinacea Ang. gtta xx 

Aqua oz. iv 

M. S. Teaspoonful every 15 or 20 minutes till the pa- 
tient rests. Or the fresh root may be scraped and given 
the person bitten. It then induces an excessive flow of 
saliva and perspiration. 

ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 
By A. A. StoneBurner. M. D„ M. S. E., 

Professor of Electro-Therapeutics in Chicago Physio-Medical College and 
Proprietor of the Electro-Therapeutical Institute of Chicago. 

To wade into the general scope of Electro-Therapeutics 
would require more space than we are allotted in this vol- 
ume, and we shall endeavor to be as concise as possible, 
trusting our efforts will be appreciated by our many 
Physio-Medical friends. 

Electro- Physiology is that science pertaining to the ac- 
tion of electricity on the human body, animals and plants. 

Electricity as a factor in medicine is measurable with 
the milhamperemeter. It is portable as in case of the 
secondary battery, and many of its various phenomena on 
the human body are manifest. 

With the use of electricity in medical science as a reme- 
dial agent it has been found necessary to employ currents 



250 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

of different qualities; electrodes or conductors of varied 
styles and various applications are made. Each individual 
case requires specific treatment. 

Now in order to utilize this agent with success, we should 
know something of its physiological action, that we may 
apply it to every individual case requiring electrical treat- 
ment scientifically. 

The advancement made in Electro-Physiology has been 
very slow, but much credit is due Baird and Rockwell for 
the noble fight made by them against the old country 
granny, the egotistical professor of medicine, the ignora- 
mus, and the practitioner who used it simply for a fake. 
They have placed Electro-Physiology on a scientific basis 
where it should have been many years ago, and too much 
cannot be said in praise for their noble efforts in their be- 
half, for the noble sacrifices made by them in their efforts 
to advance medical electricity. 

While we have some practitioners using electricity in 
their practice with something like success, without know- 
ing anything about its physiological effect, yet it is not 
the way to apply it. We should know beyond a question 
of doubt where to apply the current, in what direction it 
should flow, and what quality should be used. 

The electro-therapeutist should know every action that 
should manifest itself in its application on the human 
body; at least he should know its action on the brain, 
spinal cord, sympathetic system, nerves of motion and of 
common and special sense; also of the conductivity of the 
body, besides electro-physics. When we become masters 
of these points, electro-diagnosis is made easy, and the 
interpretations of the various complicated ailments readily 
understood and treated scientifically with proper appara- 
tus. When we become master of electro-physiology, we 
are then electro-therapeutist in a strict sense of the word. 

When we put a drug into a human being's stomach, 
chemical action takes place, after which we have a physio- 
logical effect; this effect may be on one particular organ 
or part, and when this takes place, it is due to the inhe- 
rent affinity for such organ or part. So can electricity be 
localized, and with greater certainty; its action can be 
recorded with some hopes of accuracy, while with drugs 
when internally administered, its action is always clouded 
with uncertainty. 

Matteucci discovered that muscles would with the 






ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 25] 

interrupted galvanic current become affected, but DuBois- 
Reymond more fully investigated these effects, and he has 
accomplished a great deal in his investigations. 

It was proven that all the animals, both warm and cold 
blooded, contain animal electricity, toads, salamanders, 
fresh water crabs, addlers, lizards, glow-worms, and tor- 
toises, as well as rabbits, rats, sparrows, etc. Animal elec- 
tricity, like mechanical, is due to action, a. id we find when 
a chemical decomposition or chemical change takes place, 
electricity is always produced. This electricity is found 
in the muscles, nerves, brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, testi- 
cles, spleen, etc, Matteucci and DuBois-Reymond'are the 
founders of elect rology. 

Electricity in mankind, while the cutaneous currents in 
the human being have certain laws made concerning the 
direction in which this current flows, we sometimes find 
the reverse condition exists. 

Dr. C. B. Radcliff says that during sleep the sheaths of 
fibres, of nerves and muscles are charged with electricity 
the same as a Leyden jar. This change is brought about by 
the development of electricity, either positive or negative 
through oxidation, or some form of chemical action on the 
outside of the sheaths of fibres, through the di-electric 
sheath, and have opposite condition as in the Leyden jar, 
which would be in a static condition. The nerve-current 
and muscle-current are purely incidental phenomena, result- 
ing from applying the electrodes to points of unequal elec- 
tric tension or potentiality. That the passage of a nerve or 
muscle from a state of rest to that of action is accompanied 
by a discharge similar to that of a torpedo. The argu- 
ments in favor of this view are, that the anatomical and 
physiological apparatus of the torpedo closely resembles 
the muscular apparatus of all anjmals; that the nerve- 
current nearly disappears from the nerve, and the muscle- 
current from the muscle, when nerve and muscle pass 
from rest into action, and, finally, that the phenomena of 
induced or secondary contraction cannot otherwise be ex- 
plained. The discharge takes place between the sheaths 
of fibres, which are very elastic, and are capable of being 
elongated during rest by mutual attraction of the opposite 
electricities with which they are charged. 

When a nerve or muscle passes from action to rest, it re- 
sumes its condition of charge. Elongation therefore is 
the result of charge and contraction of discharge. This 



25: 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 



point is illustrated by the following experiment: A nar- 
row band of rubber is covered on both surfaces very near 
the edge with gold-leaf, so that it can be charged or dis- 
charged with electricity, similar to the Leyden jar. By a 
simple arrangement of a grooved wheel, and an apparatus 
that multiplies and records the movements, it can be shown 
that when the band is charged by a few turns of africtional 
orstatic machine, it elongates, and when discharged it con- 
tracts. It is believed that the muscle behaves in precisely 
this manner. If the nerves are not affected in the same 
way, it is because their fibres are not sufficiently elastic. 

The acceptance of this view explains many interesting 
facts in pathology. It explains the fact that diseases that 
are accompanied by a deficiency in the nerve currents, as 
neuralgia, spinal irritation, hysteria, tetanus, epilepsy, 
usually manifest themselves by morbid activity, by in- 
creased and unnatural movements of muscles and ner/es. 

This theory of current production in the human body 
may be correct, but the theory of destruction of a cell 
structure or chemical decomposition looks more reason- 
able, for we find in chemistry that when a chemical change 
takes place a current of electricity is generated. 

We find electricity prevailing in all the organs of the 
body and are in opposite electrified state. We find the 
hand is negative to the elbow, and the palm of the hand is 
negative to the back. The foot is negative to the chest, 
and the sole of the foot is negative to the back. The elbow 
is slightly positive to the chest, and the hand is sometimes 
negative to the foot, and sometimes the reverse. 

Apparatus for Studying Animal Electricity, as 
Recommended by DuBois-Reymond- 

A delicate galvanometer or milliamperemeter register- 
ing only a few milliamperes in its full circle, in order to 
detect the most feeble current present. Two cushions, as 
they are called, made of layers of blotting paper soaked in 
a solution of sulphate of zinc, are laid in the edge of each 
vessel, with their ends in the liquid. The whole is en- 
closed in a moist chamber in order to protect the tissue. 

Professor Trowbridge, in the description of his experi- 
ments, says that he is satisfied that the deflection pro- 
duced by DuBois-Reymond is mainly due to the soaked 
cushions used by him, and in his experiment with natural 
and artificial muscle, says that he is convinced that when 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 253 

there is an absence of saline solution, no deflection takes 
place, and when present a perceptible deflection is mani- 
fest. He therefore comes to the conclusion that there is 
no. such thing as muscular current, properly speaking. 

In all these experiments made by different authorities, 
we should expect different results would be obtained when 
different methods are used, whereas if they were continued 
to the end, they would all arrive at the same conclusion. 
Lt is natural therefore to rind sodium chloride in the blood, 
hence the saline solution, and according to Trowbridge's 
theory and DuBois-Reymond's electricity should be present 
in all parts of the body, and no doubt of it electricity pre- 
vails in all animal life. It is more perceptible in the mus- 
cles, on account of there being the best conducting path in 
them. 

Irritability or electrotonus is a condition of altered func- 
tional activity. The electrotonic state is produced by the 
passage through a nerve of a constant polarizing current. 

The passage of the constant current produces a change 
in the electromotive force of that part of the nerve traver. 
sed by the current. This alteration in muscular excit- 
ability may consist in either an increased or a decreased 
functional activity. The decreased functional activity oc" 
curs in the neighborhood of the anode or positive elec- 
trode, and is called electrotonic state. The increased func- 
tional activity occurs in the neighborhood of the cathode 
or negMlive electrode, and is called catelectrotonic state. 

The altered activity affects not only the intra polar parts 
of the nerve, or that part between the electrodes, but also 
the extra polar portions, or the remainder of the nerve. 

The electrotonic state is characterized by two varieties. 
Those in which the electromotive force is decreased, and 
those in which this force is increased. These conditions 
are called positive and negative phases. 

A decrease in the electromotive force of a nerve affected 
by sending a current through the nerve in opposite direc- 
tion to the nerve current is called negative phase, and by 
sending it through the nerve in the same direction it is 
called positive phase. 

Anelectrotonic zone, and catelectrotonic zone, are terms 
used for that region surrounding the electrode. Positive 
and negative regions. 

The electrotonic condition not only remains while the 
current continues, but a considerable time afterwards, or 



254 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

it remains in a charged condition after the current (-east's. 
Dead nerves, or nerves that have lost their irritability, 
electrotonus effects con not be accomplished. 

In a comparative illustration, the disturbance that takes 
place in a magnet are similar to the action of the nerve. 

DuBois-Eeymond says that the nerve is always in the 
condition of a closed circuit, since electric currents are pro- 
duced by the connecting layers surrounding the molecules 
with their molecules; and secondly, that current obtained 
from an animal as indicated by the galvanometer is only a 
small portion of the entire current that it contains. 

While it is true that contraction is not so marked at 
midway as at the anelectrotonic or catelectrotonic zones, 
yet there certainly cannot be any neutral point. This 
chemical or mechanical stimulation of the nerve must be 
proportionate throughout its entire length, according to 
the amount of current traversing it. We must remember 
that in the electrical zone region the current is confined 
to the surface at conducting terminal, and after penetrat- 
ing the body it diverges and again contracts to suit con- 
ductor at the terminal. The portion of a nerve near the 
positive pole has its conductibility diminished, while that 
portion of a nerve near the negative pole has its conducti- 
bility increased. 

Some authorities claim that we have a neutral point in 
the contraction of a nerve by electricity: they say that the 
anelectrotonus meets catelectrotonus at about midway, 
and at this point there is no irritability, and this is called 
neutral point, or intra-polar region. While a nerve when 
acted upon by the electric current is in a polarized condi- 
tion, it does not necessarily follow that it is exactly like a 
magnet, having a neutral or dead point at the intra polar 
region, for we notice when a death occurs caused by the 
electric fluid, we find a uniform condition between the 
terminals, that is, when the stroke is distinctly marked. 
We have deaths from the physiological shock, sometimes 
its action on the repository centres, or on the nerves and 
muscles, etc., but when we have a distinct rupture of the 
body by it, we do not find any neutral points. 

While it is true we have positive and negative terminals, 
and at lithe anelectrotonus zone we find oxygen gas and at 
the catelectrotonus zone we find hydrogen, we would 
also find if we had some means of making the examination 
correctly that when electrolytic action takes place, that 






ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 255 

the hydrogen while accumulating at the negative pole, has 
a flow extending to the anelectrotonus zone, we would also 
find the oxygen extending to the catelectrotonus zone. 
This does not prove that we have a neutral point. Now 
while we are satisfied that at midway of intra-polar region 
we have less irritability, this is due no doubt to it being 
The highest point of diverging. 

The nerve when in a catelectrotonus condition is greatly 
modified by the breaking of the current, its irritability is 
diminished thereby. This is called negative modification. 
At the positive pole an increase of irritability is manifest. 
and is called positive modification. 

The restoration of irritability is accomplished with a 
suitable farad ic current, and when we find patients whose 
condition is such that they cannot take the faradic cur- 
rent, or no faradic current is at hand that would have the 
desired effect, then the interrupted galvanic will often 
restore irritability, even when the faradic sometimes fails. 
When the muscles are affected, a faradic coil should be 
used of coarse wire and to have a slow vibrator, so as to 
allow saturation to be completed before the current is 
broken. If the sympathetic are affected, a finer wire and 
a finer interrupter should be used in order to produce the 
best results. Many experiments have been tried for the 
restoration of the muscle and nerve irritability, but noth- 
ing is so effectual as the properly applied and correct 
faradic current. 

The theory of analectrotonus and catelectrotonus is, 
when a current from a battery of voltaic cells is passed 
through the nerve, the irritability diminishes at the ane- 
lectrotonus zone region and increases at the catelectroto- 
nus zone region. This may be explained by the physical 
effects of the current in the tissue. We have seen in elec- 
trolysis that acids go to the positive or anelectrotonus 
zone, and the alkalies to the negative or catelectrotonus 
zone. It is a well known fact in physiology that acids 
diminish nerve irritability while alkalies increase it. 

In Coyn's experiments of Paris on the ulner nerve, Pflu- 
yer's Laws and the action of electricity were proven, which 
are as follows: 

The nerve is excited by the appearance of catelectrotonus 
and disappears on anelectrotonus. Coyn has shown in his 
experiment that after closing the circuit, the irritability 
is increased near the negative pole: that is, this condition 



256 ELECTRO - THEK'APEUTICS. 

increases as the current r ins up to a certain point; that 
on breaking the current the negative modifications or corir 
ditions of diminished irritability appears for a moment and 
then disappears near the positive pole; on the other hand 
the irritability is diminished at and after closing the cir~ 
cuit. On breaking the circuit there is an increase of 
irritability or positive modification, which appears to be 
greater when the current has been allowed to run a long 
time. 

Action of Electricity in Brain and Spinal Cord. 

It has been shown by Fritsch and Hitzig that in the 
cerebral convolutions there are centres for the production 
of voluntary muscular movements in various parts of the 
body. These investigators took off the upper part of a 
dog's skull, and by means of a weak galvanic current, ex- 
cited the exposed brain, locating the current in small por- 
tions. They found that when certain definite portions of 
the anterior convolutions were excited, movements were 
caused in certain groups of muscles on the opposite side of 
the body. Continuing their researches, they showed that 
there are definite nerve centres for the nerves that preside 
over the muscles of the neck, the foot, and the face, for 
the extensor and adductor muscles of the forearm, and for 
the flexor and rotator muscles of the arm. , 

Ferrier, of King's College, London, performed similar 
experiments. He studied the cerebrum, the cerebellum, 
the corpora, etc. Electrization of the optic thalami pro- 
duced no result; of the corpora striata caused the limbs 
to be flexed; of the anterior tubercles of the corpora quad- 
rigemina caused dilatation of the pupils and apisthotonus; 
while electrization of the posterior tubercles caused the 
animal to make all sorts of noises. 

Dr. Beard has carefully studied the action of electricity 
on the cerebellum in dogs, rabbits, cats, and pigeons, and 
he has come to the conclusion that the surface of the brain 
was electrically excitable; that the theory advanced by 
Dupuy and others, that the excitation was due to the dif- 
fusion of currents to the central ganglia, was not tenable. 

In the external application of galvanism to the brain, it 
is somewhat different. If we should place an electrode 
to the forehead and the other on the back part or occiput 
and use from ten to twenty milliamperes, the sensation 
would not be as marked as five milliamperes from temple 



ELECTRO -THERAPEUTICS. 257 

to temple, when the sensation would be That of vertigo. 

Hitzig says when the current passes from forehead to 
occiput, the right and left lobes of the brain and all that 
pertains to them are equally or symmetrically influenced, 
and little if any dizziness is perceived: but when applied 
to the temples, dizziness is at once produced if the current 
be sufficiently strong. It will be readily perceived the 
dissimilarity in the region of the zones, one hemisphere 
being in anelectrotonus condition and the other catelectro- 
tonus, or diminished irritability on one side and increased 
irritability on the other. 

And we must have falsification of the muscular sense. 

Hitzig indicates several degrees of galvanic dizziness: 

1. A mere sense of fullness in the head is caused by a 
mild current when broken, but not usually when the cur- 
rent is running, nor so marked when closed; certain tem- 
peraments however experience this feeling, not only when 
the current is broken, but also when it is running. 

2. Apparent movements. These are produced by stron- 
ger currents; objects when the current is passing appear 
to go from positive to negative pole, arid when the circuit 
is broken, the movement is in opposite direction. 

3. Staggering is produced by still stronger currents. 
Luschka says there are anatomical reasons for supposing 
that the 'brain can be more easily affected in the mastoid 
and occipital regions than in the anterior portions. A 
large vein connects the transverse sinus with the posterior 
auricular veins, and with the posterior meningeal artery 
into the skull through the mastoid foramen. In the oc- 
cipital region a vein connects the transverse sinus with 
the venacervicalis profunda through the posterior condy- 
loid foramen. 

If an electrode is placed upon either end of the spinal 
cord, contraction of the muscles of the trunk and the ex- 
tremities follows. If one electrode is placed upon the cen- 
tre of the spine and the other on the lower extremity of 
the cord, only the muscles of the lower limbs will be con- 
tracted: and if the upper half of the spinal cord be elec 
trized, the muscles of the arms only will be affected. 

When we break the circle of a galvanic current, the spi- 
nal cord being part of it, the contraction of the muscles in 
the body manifests its presence; but if this current be not 
so broken, no contractions are observed and a paralyzing 
effect takes its place. The cord remains insensible to any 



258 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

stimulus that may be applied to it as long as the current 
is passing, but at its cessation mechanical irritation will 
give rise to the usual tetanic convulsions. This diminution 
of excitability is confined to the spinal cord. The long 
continuation of galvanic treatment of about twenty milli- 
amperes on the spinal cord is liable to produce paralysis. 

Centrum cilio spinale, as designated by Budge and Wal- 
ler, a ganglion near the fifth lumbar vertebra, which, on 
being electrized in animals produces contraction of the 
rectum and bladder. And when we electrize the spinal 
cord at the sixth dorsal vertebra in the human body, exci- 
tation is transmitted to the cervical sympathetic nerve, 
and thence to the iris, producing dilatation of the pupil. 

The Action of Electricity On the Shin. 

In the application of electricity to The human body, it is 
done by the way of electrodes on the skin or epidermis 
mostly, and when it is so done it requires a large electrode 
externally and a much smaller one internally. The reason 
for this is due to the high resistance of the external coat- 
ing of the body. This resistance of the skin is subjected 
to marked difference in some individuals and different in 
each individual, according to their condition in life. 

While this resistance is great, it can be materially re- 
duced in two ways; one is by washing the skin with luke- 
warm vinegar, and the second way is to increase the size 
of the electrode. 

So in the application of electricity, either galvanic or 
farad ic, to the human body, we must take into considera- 
tion the resistance interposed, the individual's suscepti- 
bility to the electrical stimulus, etc. 

We find young and old are more susceptible than middle 
aged persons. Brain working classes more so than labor- 
ing or uneducated classes. Women more so than men. 
Hence, the difficulty of electrical formula. 

The application of electricity, galvanic or faradic. to the 
cervical sympathetic may cause in one individual symp- 
toms of cerebral congestion, and in another cerebral anae- 
mia, so each individual case must be carefully diagnosed 
before application is made, then carefully watched. 

The action of static electricity when applied to the skin 
has a pricking sensation, and has a tendency of making 
the skin red. If the patient be placed upon an insulated 
stool or platform, and is charged with static electricity. 



ELECTRO -THERAPEUTICS. 259 

and a negative conductor be placed near the surface of the 
skin, a small Jump will be produced by the jumping shock, 
which resembles that of a mosquito bite. This would 
soon disappear by a little friction, but it is a very unpleas- 
ant sensation. 

The action of the faradic current on the skin is some- 
what similar, but more pleasant than that of the static 
current. On account of the resistance of the skin a moist 
electrode is preferable for most work, but when faradiza- 
tion of the skin is desirable, then a dry electrode should be 
used, or the hand of the operator. The action of the dry 
electrode is, that the high resistance of the skin is main- 
tained, the electricity fails to penetrate the deeper 
tissues, unless the current be very strong. The calibre of 
the blood-vessels is narrowed through its action on the 
vaso-motor nerves. They first have anaemia and then hy- 
peremia. Hyperemia will not be noticeable for several 
minutes, but it will make its appearance soon, according 
to the strength of coil and the size of wire and interrup- 
tion made. 

The fine wire coil with a high tension interruption has 
a more marked effect on the sensory nerves than the mus- 
cular or intermediate coils. And the negative pole has a 
more marked effect on the sensory nerves than the posi- 
tive. The forehead and the region of the scapula and 
tibia are very sensitive to faradization. Electricity pene- 
trates the skin through the sudoriferous and sebaceous 
glands, and the smaller these apertures are, the greater 
the resistance. 

The action of the galvanic current on the skin differs 
from that of the faradic and static currents very materi- 
ally. When a few cells are applied, no sensation is mani- 
fest, but when about twenty or thirty milliamperes are 
applied it is noticeable, and the sensation is like that of a 
mustard plaster. 

When a moist electrode is placed upon the skin aud a cur- 
rent of galvanic electricity of about twenty milliamperes 
is passed, through it, there appear small pale vesicles at 
the negative pole that are transparent and are not raised 
much above the surface. These are produced by the alka- 
lies and hydrogen gas, and as the current continues, the 
epidermis becomes brown, and the serum comes to the 
surface and assists in producing these ugly electrical 
sores. 



260 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

Electrical .Action of the Sympathetic and Pneu- 
mogastric. 

The action of electricity on the sympathetic and pneumo- 
gastric region should be used with care or intelligence, on 
account of its action on all of the ganglia of the body, for 
none of the ganglia can escape its influence, when applied 
internally or externally. We should know beyond a ques- 
tion if the case in hand is one for electrical treatment or 
not, and if we should use galvanic or faradic currents. If 
galvanic, how strong and how shall we apply the electrodes. 
and in what direction should the current flow, and if 
faradic, what kind of faradic, etc. These are essential 
points when the electrical treatment is to be used near 
the pneumogastric. 

When we make an external application, the effect is not 
so marked as when we apply direct to the nerves them- 
selves on account of its absorption by surrounding con- 
ductors, but as external application is the practical way of 
applying electricity to the pneumogastric region, we 
should only consider this one. If a current of sufficient 
power was conveyed so as to saturate the surrounding con- 
ductor, then the same effects would be obtained on these 
nerves as if a direct contact was made by the electrode, 
but this is not possible with the galvanic current, on ac- 
count of the resistance of the skin. 

When we place cne electrode on the nape of the neck, 
and the other at the anterior of the sterno-cleido-mastoid 
muscle, the current will diverge from a direct path, but it 
will traverse the sympathetic and pneumogastric. While 
the surrounding tissue is almost as good a conductor as 
the nerves are, yet we will have a distinct action when a 
current of electricity is applied by this method, on both 
pneumogastric and sympathetic nerves, and it is impossi- 
ble to act on one without affecting the other. 

The anatomical relation existing between these two 
great nerves is such that, no matter where we place the 
electrodes, one or the other will be affected, which will be 
carried to the base of the brain, where the pneumogastric. 
the phrenic and other nerves centre, hence through the 
other nerve to the electrode. 

In Baird and Rockwell's experiments on these nerves, 
they were laid bare and isolated, the cervical ganglia of 
the sympathetic receiving the most attention, and distinct 



ELECTRO -THERAPEUTICS 2*jl 

action on one could not be obtained without affecting the 
other. 

M. M. Arloing and Tripier have shown that sectioti of 
the pneumogastric below the medulla so far modifies its 
contraction that the action of the heart is not arrested, 
or but for a short time, with the farad ic current when 
applied to the distant end of a cut pneumogastric. Also 
weak faradic currents affect the heart's action; by the 
contraction of a nerve the free flow is checked, elevating 
the blood pressure in the arteries. 

They also found that the right pneumogastric has a 
more powerful influence over the heart than the left. 
Faradization of the peripheral end of the divided pneumo- 
gastric causes arrest of the action of the heart, sudden 
irregularities of its rythm, with slightly reduced pressure. 

They also found that the left pneumogastric has a more 
powerful influence over respiration than uhe right. 

Masoin found that the movements of the Lieart were 
stopped by galvanization of the left pneumogastric. It 
was possible to restore heart action by mechanical move- 
ment, such as striking the heart with the fingers, but after 
the movements were stopped by galvanization of the right 
pneumogastric. it was not possible to restore them in that 
way. 

I have observed that when an electrode is placed upon 
the nape of the neck and another nndrrthe feet, and a 
strong faradic current is used, with sensitive patients a 
severe attack of coughing is produced, and lasts while the 
current is flowing. 

Also, I have observed with external applications the fol- 
lowing results; one of the electrodes being placed in the 
mastoid fossa, and the other over the seventh cervical ver- 
tebra, and the current used was from one to ten milliam- 
peres from one to ten minutes duration: 

A young lady whom I was treating for facial acne by 
central galvanization, was frequently pnt right to sleep 
within one minute after application, and she would awake 
but slowly as if from a sound sleep, and in a number of 
cases this drowsiness was manifest when the electrodes 
were so applied. 

I find the following laws in reference to the action of 
electricity on the retinal circulation through the neck are 
correct: 

1. Gal /anizati on or faradization of the region of the 



262 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

cervical sympathetic has a marked temporary influence 
over the retinal circulation. It may cause contraction of 
the arteries or dilatation of the veins. 

2. The faradic current produces precisely the same ef- 
fects on the retinal circulation as the galvanic, only more 
slowly. The physiological difference between the currents 
in this respect is therefore a difference of degree and not 
of kind. 

3. Mild currents of short duration caused contraction 
of the blood-vessels of the retina, while strong currents 
and long applications caused dilatation. Much seemed to 
depend upon the temperament and condition of the indi- 
vidual. What would cause contraction in one would cause 
dilatation in another. These varying effects correspond 
with clinical experience. 

In conclusion we would say that it is a difficult matter 
to localize a current of electricity from external applica- 
tion without affecting the sympathetic or pneumogastric 
by external application near the medulla oblongata. 

The Nerves of Special Sense. 

Optic Nerve.— The galvanic electrodes when placed up- 
on the temples cause both light flashes and a perception 
of color. 

The faradic current has very little effect on the retina. 
A coil of very fine wire as made by some of the best makers 
has a decided action on the retina. 

Auditory Nerves. — The action of a faradic current when 
the electrode is applied to the ear, or in the vicinity of 
the ear, causes a ringing or rumbling noise, according to 
the method of application, which no doubt is due to the 
contraction of the muscles and the disturbance of susurri. 

The galvanic current acts on the auditory by certain 
fixed laws, and various sounds are produced. A distinct 
accented sound, a sound that gradually fades away, a 
whistling sound, a ringing sound, a hissing sound, and 
many more different sounds are produced. 

These sounds vary according to the individual and 
strength of current. With the healthy ear, the anelec- 
trotonus effect is always the same. • 

All these various sounds, no doubt, are due to the audi- 
tory nerve. 

Olfactory Nerve. — When a galvanic current is applied 
to this nerve or to the Schneidorian membrane, an odor 



ELECTKO -THERAPEUTICS. 263 

resembling sulphuretted hydrogen is produced. This is 
no doubt due to the liberation of ozone. 

Gustatory Nerve — The action of two dissimilar metals 
producing a sensation when in contact with the tongue 
was discovered by M, Sulzer in J754. This taste was simi- 
lar to the vitriol of iron. If we placed zinc on top of the 
tongue and silver underneath, an acid taste would be ex- 
perienced under the zinc plate, and a slight alkaline taste 
under the silver plate. This action of the gustatory nerve 
varies with different individuals but the majority say it is 
a copper taste. 

It is not necessary to send the galvanic current through 
the tongue or through the chorda tympani nerve, or even 
through the face. An electrode placed upon the neck or 
any part of the spine will produce this effect, 

This coppery taste is due no doubt to electrolytic action, 
the acids and alkalies forming at their respective poles. 

Voluntary and Involuntary Muscles.— In the excitation 
of the involuntary muscles by faradism, the contraetibil- 
ity continues during its entire application, while with the 
continuous galvanic current the muscles relax after the 
first shock, and again contract upon breaking the circuit. 
If we should pass the current through the intestines, 
stomach, oesophagus, etc., which are composed of involun- 
tary muscular fibr^, excitation does not take place until 
the parts become, saturated or charged, in which case exci- 
tation continues after cessation of the current. 

Stomach. — In electrization of the stomach with the 
interrupted galvanic or muscular faradic current, a short- 
ening of the transverse and longitudinal fibres in the 
direction from the cardiac to the pyloric orifice takes 
place. In the treatment of paralysis of the oesophagus 
associated with a sort of atony of the stomach, we have 
frequently had occasion to observe the readiness with 
which this phenomenon took place. 

In the shortening of these fibres, close adhesion with 
the serous coat is prevented. It also prevents and will 
assist in the destruction of the solid adhesion of any of the 
four layers of the stomach; areolar, mucous, muscular or 
serous. 

Bladder.— When electricity is applied to the bladder 
when partially filled, a painful sensation is manifest, 
caused by the contraction of the whole bladder. 

Intestines. — In the contraction of the intestines by elec- 



264 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

tricity, strong currents are generally used, on account of 
the tardiness of the intestine contraction, and when the 
passage of the current ceases, relaxation takes place slowly. 

The duodenum responds most readily, almost instantly, 
and the lower bowel is a little less responsive. 

Uterus. — The contraction of this organ is similar to 
that of the bladder. 

Gall Bladder. — The contractions are similar to those 
of the bladder. 

Heart. — The direct electrization of the tissues of the 
heart is somewhat different from that of the aorta and its 
direct branches. We can apply a much stronger current 
to the heart before cessation is accomplished than when 
the aorta is contracted. It is also possible to restore the 
heart's action by a weak current momentarily applied, and 
again stopped by a strong current of long duration. 

The liver and lungs are very little affected, so far as 
the contractibility is concerned. A congested liver may 
be restored by a continuous treatment of a muscular farad- 
ic current daily at a fifteen minute seance. 

Its Action On the Blood. 

The action of the galvanic current on the blood is a sub- 
ject that has received considerable attention from Baird 
and Eockwell, Rollet, Neuman, Parsons, Hutchinson, 
Hayes, and others. 

While the conclusions arrived at by these several inves- 
tigators are not in unison, they are nearly so. 

While the blood corpuscles are variable in size, they are 
fairly uniform in appearance, and the average length 
would be about 1-2400 of an inch. If it would be possible 
to pack together 8,126,464 they would occupy space the size 
of a pin head. (This is for human blood). Dr. R. K. 
Browne has calculated that these corpuscles move 400 
times their own length in a second of time. If we should 
take a weak solution of blood and put. it into a test tube 
over heated mercury, it reduces itself to a state of oxida- 
tion of venous cruorine and a spectroscope would show 
that it was purple cruorine, but if we should add one drop 
of distilled water, the color of the cruorine will be restored 
to its scarlet state. In the higher animals we find the 
composition of the blood is very complex. We find water, 
albumen, fibrin, and coloring matter, also several fatty 
substances, such as cholesterine, cerebrine and some salts, 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS 2(i0 

chloride of sodium, sulphate of potash, carbonates of soda, 
lime, and magnesia, and' no doubt there are many more 
substances that we do not know are contained in the blood. 
We have in the globules 79 per cent, water, 19 per cent, 
albumen, and one of salts. 

Now when a galvanic current of electricity is applied, 
and it be strong enough to produce electrolytic action, we 
have chemical decomposition. If its strength were about 
twenty milliamperes this would be sufficient to coagulate 
albumen. Now the presumable phenomena that take 
place in the blood would be as follows: 

In the decomposition of the blood, water is paramount 
to all the rest of its composition as previously shown, two 
gasses are given off, the lighter is carried to the negative 
pole, and the oxygen accumulates at the positive pole. In 
this decomposition the electrolyte is broken into atoms or 
groups called ions, which are of two kinds, electro-positive 
or cathions. and electro-negative ions, or anions. 

The decomposition that takes place is greater at the 
positive than at the negative electrode, and we would 
naturally infer that the anelectrotonus zone being gradu- 
ally dried up, a clot formation would take place without 
the assistance of any other agent, but the oxygen that is 
liberated performs an important part. Acids are formed 
and they gradually disappear, leaving a charged mass, 
which would adhere very closely to the electrode. Where 
these acids are lormed, coagulation takes place with the 
albumen, while at the catelectrotonus zone we find very 
little coagulation has taken place, but what there is, are 
yellowish, light and bulky. 

If a large clot is desired to obstruct the passage within 
a blood-vessel, about forty milliamperes is preferable. 

The following rules in regard to electro-coagulability of 
the blood: 

1. At both galvanic terminals, clot formation takes 
plnce. 

2. At the positive terminal v is the hard black clot, and 
at the negative it is light, soft and bulky. 

3. When the galvanic terminals are located within a 
blood-vessel, and when in close proximity, the coagulation 
is most satisfactory, the duration is very short compared 
with the time of a separation. 

4. In blood electro-coagulation, the larger the volume 
of current, the quicker coagulation takes place. 



266 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

Ihe Human Body as a Conductor. 

The composition of the human body is such that it is a 
better conductor than water, but is variable in different, 
parts of the body, on account of different quantity of saline 
constituents. 

Proportionately, adults have about 80 per cent, of water, 
children under one year about 85 per cent. The blood has 
about 78 per cent., gray matter of the brain 85 per cent., 
white matter of the brain 75 percent.; the spinal cord, 
gray 72 and white 67 per cent.; muscle 82 and nerve 77 per 
cent. These figures are variable in different individuals. 
The water in the tissue is very uniform. The bones, like 
the skin, are a very poor conductor, and when the epider- 
mis is in a dry state, little or no current will pass it, but 
when moistened it will conduct fairly well. 

We would call the attention of the medical student to 
the complex condition of affairs, which we will rind on 
studying the dosage of electricity. In drugs, the physician 
has only to know the absolute strength of the extract or 
tincture he is using; but in electricity we must take into 
account volume, pressure, or current strength, in relation 
to the work to be performed. These conditions are ex- 
plained by the following expressions, which we call electr.- 
cal units: The volt, ampere, ohm, coulomb and watt. We 
have about forty electrical unit phrases, but the above are 
about all that are necessary for our purpose. Hitherto 
the student has found difficulty in studying these terms, 
as in the various text-books on the subject, the meaning 
of the authors has been obscured by abstruse mathemati- 
cal problems. Physicists, like lawyers, seem to try to 
promulgate laws that are incomprehensible. In as concise 
a manner as possible, we will endeavor to translate these 
specific terms and render the explanation easy of compre- 
hension. 

A thorough understanding of the effects of electricity 
on the body is as necessary as the study of general materia- 
medica, and in order to become familiar with the subject, 
the student must thoroughly understand the symbols, 
words, and phrases used in expressing the condition of the 
current. 

Electricity is analogous to other manifestations of force, 
and is capable of being generated, measured, and put to 
work or utilized, similar to steam power. In the first 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 267 

place we must consider force as unliberated pressure, or 
energy of suspended action, ready for motion and easily 
changeable into energy of action. Engineers express the 
amount of energy of suspended action that can be gene- 
rated in a given boiler, by saying it represents ,; so many 
pounds pressure."' and in fact we habitually compare pres- 
sure and weight. Thus we say the thermal unit can per- 
form 500 foot-pounds of work, which means that the 
potential so situated as to be easily changeable into kinetic 
energy would equal 500 foot-pounds. In a similar manner 
another arbitrary work-unit is established, to which we 
give the name of horse-power. We can and must therefore 
fix upon a unit to express electrical energy, and the term 
volt-coulomb has been adopted, which corresponds to the 
caloric (or any other) arbitrary unit. 

The electrical units are all based upon the C. G. S. sys- 
tem, or centimetres, grammes and seconds, adopted in 
September. 1881, at the Paris Electrical Congress. 

Volt, or Cult of Force — To explain the meaning of 
volt let us perform the following experiment: Take a 
standard voltaic cell and an unknown cell. Couple the 
zincs of each cell together, and attach the copper of nega- 
tive elements to a galvanometer. Now as a result we will 
have the galvanometer or needle deflected or remaining at 
rest. Should we find the needle remaining quiescent, 
then we have a condition of equilibrium, the electro- 
motive force of each cell being identical; but should the 
needle be moved, then there is a difference in the strength 
of the current from the different cells. Should we make a 
battery on the same plan as the Daniel cell, and of the 
same materials, but only as large as a thimble, and connect 
it with an ordinary sized one, we will find no deflection of 
the needle. This shows that the larger cell has no more 
pressure than the smaller one, which is. as far as pressure 
is concerned, an equivalent of the larger We therefore 
say it has the same voltage. 

In order to measure the pressure or the voltage definite- 
ly, we must use a comparative test of some kind It is to 
be understood therefore that when two bodies having dif- 
ferent electrical potentials are connected by a conductor, 
the quantity of electricity present must occupy a certain 
time in passing from one to the other, hence if there be a 
certain difference of poteutial. we have a difference in the 



268 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

transfer of a given quantity of electricity as regards time 
or duration of flow. 

Jf we should take a voltaic cell and connect the termi- 
nals to a galvanometer, we would find the current flowing 
from the negative element to the positive, through the 
circuit. Should we place a magnetic needle near the con- 
ducting wire, it would be deflected. Now should we add 
another cell to be connected up in series, that is, carbon of 
one cell to zinc of the other, we would have double the 
previous force, but not double the deflection of the needle 
The reason for this is that, while we have increased the 
pressure or E. M. P., we have also increased the resistance, 
which has destroyed the volume equivalent to one cell's 
production, but the E. M. F. is never destroyed. 

Now these cells being connected with a galvanometer 
and add 2,000 ohms resistance when we find a certain de- 
flection, and on taking one cell away the deflection is 
reduced. Should we take 1,000 ohms from the circuit, we 
have then' half of the previous resistance, and we get a 
corresponding increase in the needle's deflection. From 
this we infer that the current that is passing is inversely 
proportional to the resistance. This is called strength of 
current. 

We now take a standard cell and connect it with the 
instrument having a thousand ohm's resistance, when wj 
will get a deflection that we take note of, and we can then 
calebrate the unknown cell accordingly. 

The volt is being considered the unit of potential, the 
electro-motive force and means energy. The Daniell's 
standard cell is usually used for comparison, the electro- 
motive force being 1.079 volts or E. M. F. 

The second unit we will consider is the coulomb or unit 
of quantity, or the ampere measure. For example, it 
would require a quantity of galvanic electricity equal to 
two coulombs to supply a current of two amperes for one 
second, or a five ampere current will give twenty-five cou- 
lombs in five seconds. Each coulomb of electricity liber- 
ates 0.1176 C. C. of hydrogen, and 0.0568 C. C. of oxygen or 
a total of 0.1764 C. C. of mixed gasses. It also requires 
95,000 coulombs of electricity to decompose nine quarts of 
water. We think these experiments explain the coulomb 
distinctly, but rather than be obscure in any way, we will 
explain farther. The coulomb was first used to measure 
f Fictional electricity, and it was fomd very useful, because 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS 2<f.) 

in that case there is a surface current to deal with, and all 
that had to be done was to measure the surface of a plate 
containing metal. Boit's hemispheres or a Leyden jar, etc.. 
and note the number of coulombs. 

In the coulomb as we use it in galvani-m. we must look 
upon it from a different standpoint. In frictional elec- 
tricity we do not have a continuous flow, while in galvan- 
ism we get no flow or current unless the circuit is complete: 
we then have a continuous flow or momentum, and the 
method of measurement must be different. It must be 
multiplied or divided by something before it means any- 
thing in particular; it is simply a flowing current of a 
certain strength. If the strength of current in a circuit 
is one ampere and is flowing for three seconds, we would 
say that three coulombs of electricity have passed. 

A coulomb then is simply an ampere multiplied by time: 
it is an ampere which lasts one second of time. The cou- 
lomb alone means nothing; we must introduce another 
factor and that is the volt. We then have the volt-cou- 
lomb, which means the electrical unit of work or energy. 

Ampere Unit — The ampere is the unit of current, and 
is equal to the quantity of electricity which will pass dur- 
ing one second through a circuit having a resistance of 
one ohm. when the energy is one volt. 

The usual method of obtaining the actual value of the 
ampere is by electro-chemical deposit of electrolysis. A 
metal plate is used; the weight is first ascertained, and 
the plate is then put in the circuit with the positive term- 
inal: a similar one is placed on the negative with a suitable 
solution interposing. The metal from the positive is 
deposited on the negative by the passage of the current. 
The results in this way obtained by different au T horities 
are very nearly if not entirely similar. 

The ampere is represented by that quantity of current 
which is capable of depositing 4.025 grammes of silver per 
hour or 0.001118 grammes per second. 

The millianipere is the one-thousandth part of an am- 
pere. The ampere or unit of current, to sum up, is the 
strength of current that is required to produce 0.172 C. C. 
of O. and H. in one second at degrees C. and* 760 m m. 
pressure. An ampere is approximately equal to the cur- 
rent of a Daniell's cell through one ohm resistance. 

Ohm's law may be briefly stated as follows: The 
strength of the electric current in any circuit is found by 



270 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

dividing the value of its electro-motive force by the value 
of its total resistance. 

All electrical phenomena are susceptible of measure- 
ment. The essential properties of an electric circuit may 
be said to be. first, the difference of potential included or 
contained within it; second, the resistance which it offers 
to the passage of the electric current; and third, the mag- 
nitude of the current traversing the circuit, as deter- 
mined by the relation which the difference of potential 
bears to the resistance. 

When any two of these three properties have a known 
value, the value of the third may readily be calculated. 

This calculation is done by Ohm's law. This law is near- 
ly always expressed in mathematical formulae. 

The resistance aja any circuit is found by dividing the 
value of its electro-motive force by the value of its current. 

The electro-motive force in any circuit is found by mul- 
tiplying the value of the resistance contained in it by the 
current traversing it. 

The quantity of electricity produced in any circuit is 
found by multiplying the value of the current by the time 
during which the current flows. 

The mathematical formulae so often employed in electri- 
cal works are nothing more than an abbreviated manner 
of expressing the same thing, thus: 

Let Q denote the total quantity of electricity generated 
in any circuit. 

Let E. denote the electro-motive force in the circuit. 

Let R, denote its resistance. 

Let C. denote the current flowing. 

Let T. denote the time during which it flows. 

We may then write down the above four rules of Ohm's 
law thus: 

E E 

(1) C=— ; (2) R=— ; (3) E=RC; (4) Q=CT. 
R C 

For the benefit of those not familiar with mathematical 
notation, it should be explained that when two letters 
standing in the place of numerical quantities are placed 
one above the other in the form of a common fraction, it 
is signified that the quantity above the line is to be di- 

E 
vided by the quantity below the line. Thus —signifies the 

R 

same as E divided by R. 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 271 

The sign = denotes equality, or that the quantities on 
the right hand of the sign are equal to those on the left 
hand. 

When two or more letters standing for numerical quan- 
tities are written together, one after the other, it signifies 
that they are to be multiplied together. Thus, in the 
above case, the expression E=RC means that E is equal to 
the product of R multiplied by C; or. in other words, that 
the electro-motive force (E) is equal to the resistance (Rj 
multiplied by the strength of current (Cj, which is exactly 
what was stated above in the third section of Ohm's law. 
only in the former case it required twenty-six words to 
explain it, while by the latter method we express precisely 
the same thing by means of three letters and one arbitrary 
sign. This explanation may perhaps serve to give the stu- 
dent some idea of the reasons why persons who understand 
the notation prefer to use it, as a matter of convenience, 
when circumstances permit, instead of entering into a 
labored explanation and elaboration in every case. 

Ohm's law as explained by Mr. Pope is very clear, and so 
we publish it in full. We have another w.iy of explaining 
it., and that is this: The strength of current varies direct- 
ly as the E. M. F. and inversely as the resistance. This 
resistance is the total resistance of the circuit, including 
the internal resistance of the Cells or generator and the 
resistance of the external circuit. 

volts E E 

amperes: or C= — . E=CR; R 



ohms R C 

Ohm's law is used in solving nearly every problem in 
relation to electricity. 

If we had a potential that secures an E. M. F. of eigh- 
teen volts, and if the total resistance of the circuit be 
three ohms, the strength of the current will be six am- 
peres. 

To give a better idea of an ohm we will use the following 
example: A galvanized iron wire four millimetres in di- 
ameter and one hundred metres long is one ohm, a copper 
wire one millimetre in diameter and forty-eight metres 
long represents an ohm. Or 130 yards of copper wire 1-10 
inch in diameter represent one ohm; 20 yards of platinum 
wire 0.016 inches in diameter is 27 ohms: 46 feet of No. 32 
German silver wire of American gauge represent 100 ohms. 

The Farad. — This is a unit of capacity, and is of little 



272 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

or no importance, except to telegraph electricians. A 
farad will contain one coulomb of electricity at a poten- 
tial of one volt. If the potential be raised to two volts t 
the same condenser will hold two coulombs, and so on. 
The farad being too large for convenient use, it was re- 
duced to the microfarad, which is the one-millionth part 
of a farad, and nearly all that use the farad, use the latter 
as their unit. The microfarad is equal in capacity to 
about 5.6 kilometres (3.5 miles) of ordinary submarine 
cable. We do not think it necessary to dwell longer on 
this unit, as we do not see the utility of it as an electro- 
therapeutic agent. 

Potential is something that may be, a possibility, a re- 
serve. The potential in a voltaic cell is the force that 
may be liberated. 

Watt.— The unit of electrical power or volt-ampere. A 
power that is developed when 44.25 foot-pounds at work is 
done per minute, or 0.7375 foot-pounds per second, or it is 
1-746 of a horse-power. That is, 746 volt-amperes are equal 
to one horse-power. 

Prof. Liemens was the first to make use of the name of 
watt for the electrical dynamic unit, and it is now uni- 
versally adopted as the unit of electrical work. A watt 
denned electrically is the rate at which work is done when 
a current of one ampere is maintained in a resistance of 
one ohm. We have three equations that give the value of 
watt, viz.: 



(1) 


CE= 


=the watt. 


(2) 


C 2 R= 

E* 


_ .*i a 



(3) - = " " 
R 

where C = the current in amperes; E = the electro-motive 
force in volts; and R = the resistance in ohms. 

The watt may be called electrical energy, for it is the 
power which electricity possesses of doing work. The 
current in amperes, multiplied by the difference of poten- 
tial in volts, divided by 746, equals the rate of doing work 
in horse-power. Thus, if .7 ampere is required to operate 
a 16-candle lamp on a 110-volt circuit, it requires 4.8 watts 
per candle. 

Accordingly the electrical power is proportional to the 
product of the quantity of electricity per second that 



ELECTRO -THERAPEUTICS 273 

passes, in amperes, and the difference of electric potential 
or level through which it passes in volts. 

The watt or the electrical power varies as to the amount 
of resistance, when the current is constant, or as the 
square of the current; that is to say, if with a given re- 
sistance the power of a given current has a certain value, 
and the current flowing through this same resistance be 
doubled, the power is four times as great or is as the square 
of the current. . 

A current of one ohm resistance will have a power of one 
watt, when under an electro-motive force of one volt ampere 
N flowing through it. If the resistance be halved or be- 
come five ohms, then two amperes pass or a power equal* 
two watts, or t^o amperes and two volts in a circuit of 
one ohm resistance gives a power of CE=2x2=4 watts. If 
the electro-motive force be raised to four volts, and the 
current to four amperes, we would have CxE=4x4=H> 
watts. 

Joule — The unit of electric energy. The volt-coulomb, 
the amount of electrical work required to raise the poten- 
tial of one coulomb of electricity one volt. 

The joule may be regarded as a unit of energy or work 
in general, apart from electrical work or energy. The 
British Association proposed to call one joule the work- 
done by one watt in one second of time. 

Recapitulation. — The several units in themselves do 
not signify anything, but collectively they mean a ''watt.'" 
a "watt" being the unit of work done, or "watts" as the 
case may be. The strength of current is "ampere" and 
the symbol is S. The electro-motive force or potential is 
"volt" and the symbol is E. The quantity is "coulomb'" 
with the symbol Q. The resistance is "ohm." having R 
for a symbol, and capacity is the farad with the symbol C. 
These units look much brighter now than when we first 
started, but we will endeavor to make them still a little 
clearer. 

Potential is, as we have seen, a possibility, and when it 
is an accomplished fact we call it voltage or electro-motive 
force or volt-coulombs. 

Now to give the student a better idea of these terms, we 
will use the following illustrations; they are not correct, 
but they are as near so as any illustration can be. 

First, you must look upon the word volt as indicating 
pound pressure: the ampere as a volume of water in a tube 



274 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

on a level, with the pound pressure back of it; the cou- 
lomb as the area of pipe in which the fluid flows; the ohm 
as the length of pipe or resistance. Now we have one volt 
or pound pressure in the water column, or ampere of cur- 
rent passing through one ohm of pipe, at the rate of one 
coulomb or amount in one second. 

If we should take ten Daniell's cells, the energy of which 
is one volt per cell, the total number of cells would then 
be equivalent to ten volts. Now we connect these cells in 
series, the internal resistance we say is two ohms per cell 
or twenty ohms in all; then we have twenty ohm6 placed 
in the circuit which would represent forty ohms in all for 
the current to pass through, and we would find a current 
of 0.25 amperes. 

This is expressed in Ohm's law as follows: 

E=10 (volts) 

R=40 (ohms) 
E 10 

and— =—=0.25 amperes. 
K 40 

Should we reduce the resistance say 20 ohms we would 
have the following: 
E=10 (volts) 
R=20 (ohms) 

E 10 
and — =—=0.5 amperes. 

a 20 

This shows that we have a much stronger current than 
before. If we should take four voltaic cells having an 
electro-motive force of four volts with internal and exter- 
nal resistance of 40 ohms, we would have 0.1 ampere. 

With a few more words on the practical use of positive 
and negative poles, we have finished. 

All acutely inflammatory aflections are elect] ically posi- 
tive in excesfe, having too i much vital action, being over- 
charged with electro-vital fluid, while all paralytic dis- 
eases are those of sluggish character are electrically nega- 
tive, having too little vital action.. 

When we wish to repress or repel inflammation, which is 
electrically positive in excess, we put the positive pole to 
it or as near to it as possible, by applying this positive cur- 
rent to a diseased part, we drive away the condition by the 
repelling influence of the positive battery current, while 
the negative pole is upon some more healthy portion of the 



ELECTRO -THERAPEUTICS. 27 f> 

body; also, we And spinal Irritation and at the same time 
a stomach afflicted with chronic dyspepsia, accompanied 
with constipation of the bowels. We place the positive 
pole at the spinal nerves, because we know that from its 
irritation that there is an excess of electro-vital fluid in 
the part making it improperly positive, and with the neg- 
ative electrode we will at the same time treat over the 
stomach, bowels, and liver, because we know from the in- 
action of the organs that there is a lack of the vital force 
there, and that consequently they are too negative. 

Now if we find inflammation or enlargement of the spleen 
as is commonly the case with chills and fever, we place the 
positive pole upon the spleen and the negative pole upon 
the liver. 

The positive repels the excess of electro-vitality away 
from the positive spleen, and so reduces the improper ex- 
citement there, while at the same time it rushes by at- 
traction to the negative liver under the negative pole or 
electrode and makes that more positive and so more active. 

In this way we change the polarization of the parts, and 
in so doing remove the sustaining cause of the disease. 
Thus you see we may treat different functions of the body 
with correspondingly excellent results. Of course, as soon 
as the object in view is attained, we change the location of 
the electrodes, as long continued actions of the current 
would not be desirable in the same direction and location. 

Again, in treating a case of enteritis(inflammationof the 
intestines) we would place the positive current over the 
bowels and the negative over the lumbar region. 

Mechanical Effect of Each Pole. 

The mechanical effect of the negative pole or negative 
current on that part of the body under the negative elec- 
trode is to relax, expand. When, therefore, we wish to re- 
lax a muscle that is unnaturally contracted by rheuma- 
tism or otherwise, we must bring it under the negative 
electrode. If we desire to contract ligaments or muscles 
that are abnormally relaxed (not atrophied) as in prolapsus 
uteri, we mu-t subject them to the positive current or 
bring them under the positive electrodes. Parts that are 
unnaturally contracted are electrically negative in excess, 
and need to be made positive. Parts that are unnaturally 
relaxed are too positive and should be made more negative. 

We make a part more positive by applying to it the weg- 



27H ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

ative pole and more negative by applying the positive. 

Parts spasmodically contracted are acute and positive. 
Those permanently contracted are chronic and negative. 

Inflammatory affections should be treated by a downward 
current in most cases. In treating a paralyzed organ, the 
current should be run through a healthy part to it, with 
negative electrode over the affected part. 

Acute diseases are to be regarded as electrically positive, 
and chronic affections as negative. 

Alkaline affections, those causing excessive alkaline se- 
cretions are electrically positive, and acid or acidulous 
states are negative. Recent wounds, contusions, and 
burns are positive. Old ulcers and irritations are gen- 
erally negative. 

With a few brief quotations from celebrated writers on 
therapeutic electricity, who testify to its value as a reme- 
dial agent, we will conclude: 

•'Electricity," says Matteucei. "is the only irritant 
which can excite at one time, sensation, and at another, 
contraction, according to the direction in which it trav- 
erses a ner/e. " 

Dr. Phillips remarks that in cases "where there is a fail- 
ure in the secreting power of the liver, or a defective ac- 
tion of the gall tubes, I have repeatedly seen from galvan- 
ism the same effect on the biliary system which arises 
from calomel; a copious bilious discharge from the bowels, 
coming on a few hours after the employment of galvanism.'" 
• Says Golding Bird, "It is the only direct emmenagogue 
which the experience of our profession has furnished. I 
do not think I have ever ever known it to fail to excite 
menstruation, where the uterus was capable of performing 
this office." 

"The beneficial effects of galvanism," says Sturgeon, "in 
asthma and bilious complaints, have several times come 
under my notice." 

''Mr. Cole, house-surgeon to the Worcester Infirmary," 
according to the Dublin Medical Journal, "informed Dr. 
Phillips that no other means employed there have been 
equally efficacious in relieving asthma, as galvanism." 

The same paper observes that "Dr. Marcus repo its sev- 
eral instances of the successful application of galvanism 
in the great hospital of Bamberg. One was a case of 
paralysis of the arm, in which a complete cure ,was ef- 
fected. Another was one of violent headache after are- 



ELECTKO -THEKA F El TIC S. 2i i 

mit tent fever, which could not be subdued by any medical 
treatment." 

"The same reason" says Smee, "for which electricity is 
valuable in amenorrhoea, might lead us to expect that it- 
would tend to nctify the state of barrenness in the female; 
for. by causing it to act directly upon the uterus, it is cal- 
culated to increase the supply of blood, and thus remedy 
the deficit.'' I might here remark that I have been suc- 
cessful in curing several cases of barrenness, of many years 
standing, by the application of electricity. 

"One of the most important and curious of the physio- 
logical properties of the galvanic influence," says M. Don- 
avan, "is its power over the peristaltic motion of the in- 
testinal canal, and the consequent evacuation of the fasces. 
The power over the peristaltic motion, denied by Volta> 
was, I believe, first observed by Grapeugiesser; but the re- 
sulting effects were discovered by M. Le Roy d'Eliolle." 

"Costiveness in the bowels. '* says Sturgeon, "however 
obstinately it may resist the usual remedies, very soon 
yields to the galvanic treatment: and by a similar process, 
constipations generally may be readily vanquished." 

"In diseases of the eye" says Dona van. "the application 
of galvanism has been of the greatest service; there are 
many cases of cure on record." 

The experience of runny others might be added, equally 
commendatory of tne therapeutic power of electricity; but 
as our object in making these quotations is merely to show 
what many eminent physicians of the old school, across 
the Atlantic think of it. these are sufficient. 

PHYSIOLOGICAL ELECTRO-THERAPEUTICS. 

The Physio -Medical Idea of Medical Electricity. 
By J. M. Thurston, M. I).. 

Professor of Applied Physiological Anatomy of the Nervous System and 
Electro-Therapeutics in the Physio-Medical College of Indiana. Indianap 
olis. 

It is an historical fact not at all flattering to the Med- 
ical Profession in general, that the large volume of our 
Therapeutic agents were discovered and used by the non- 
professional laity; so also we have the singular historic 
fact that the fathers of Medical Electricity were non- 
medical men. For instance: Michael Farady was an 
English chemist; A. Volta was an Italian physicist; 



278 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

Charles Augusta Coulomb was a French philosopher; An- 
dris M. Ampere was a French physicist: Georg Simon 
Ohm was a German physicist. And so cf our own Benja- 
min Franklin, and our up-to-date Edison and Tesla. Most 
fortunate for science and far more fortunate for humani- 
ty's weal, there were no "State Boards of Health" in those 
days to throttle progress in medical science, else Benjamin 
Franklin could never have used statical electricity Thera- 
peutically. And indeed the early history and development 
of Medical Electricity owes not its origin to what is to-day 
styled the "Regular" medical profession. The fact is, 
that like the most of the so-called new Materia Medica of 
this school of medicine which have been regularized by a 
singular process of piracy upon the Materia Medica of the 
New Schools, and likewise Electro-Therapeutics, has re- 
ceived its baptism into Kegularism only within the last 
two decades. By this we do not wish to be understood as 
refusing full credit to our Regular brethren for the many 
good things they have developed in the way of Electro- 
Therapeutics, but we do mean to here enter our protest 
against their appropriation of the valuable fundamental 
truths of Electro-Therapeutics, which cost I he pioneers of 
medical reform so many years of patient perseverance and 
untiring experimental work, without giving them the 
least credit for iheir life work, but on the contrary boast- 
ing that they have rescued Medical Electricity from the 
hands of ignorant empirics and charlatans. 

The question which the Physio-Medical school of medi- 
cine must first answer before recommending the use of 
electricity therapeutically is, what is the inherent ten- 
dency of electricity upon the living matter of the tissue 
elements of the organism; in other words, is its influence 
sanitive, in harmony with the physiological actions in the 
human body? If we seek an answer to this question in 
the literature of the "Regular School" of medicine, as 
Physio-Medicalists, we will be compelled to answer this 
question in the negative. 

When the attention of the so-called Regular School of 
medicine was directed per force to the ''irregular" medical 
electricians, because of their enviable reputation for cur- 
ing diseases wholly beyond the control of the "Regular" 
methods of treatment, and when it became apparent that 
they must adopt this wonderfully successful remedy, or go 
to the wall for want of business, thev found themselves in 









ELECT KG -THERAPEUTICS, 279 

a dilemma; for the medical electricity of the "'Irregulars" 
would not fit the central idea of alos pathos, that is, they 
could not use the "Irregulars' " electrical currents with 
the idea of making disease to cure disease, because they 
were not "strong'' enough. So that they must either 
abandon their cherished philosophy of •eontraria contra- 
rius curunter," or else they must adapt electricity to the 
disease-producing therapy. The latter they had little dif- 
ficulty in achieving, so that their medical philosophy was 
really in no danger. For electricity is the most versatile 
and eccentric force of the universe; and we now know- 
that its influence upon the living organism can be made 
as various and opposite in nature as there are means and 
methods of varying its force or voltage, its quantity and 
intensity — amperage, and its modification by magnetism, 
etc. In other words, that we can produce every effect 
upon the living fcissu? from that of a gentle stimulating 
and tonic influence upon the whole great process of gen- 
eral nutrition, to that of complete disintegration, as by 
nitric acid or caustic potassa electrolysis. So that it was 
»nly necessary in order to adapt electricity to their idea of 
therapeutics to administer it in heroic doses; and thus we 
find their whole system of Electro-Therapeutics is based 
upon the fact of electrolysis. Dr. George Apostcli, one of 
the early baptizeis.of electricity into -'Regular" medicine, 
used immense electrodes of potters' clay to diffuse the 
force of the current, so as not to burn a hole straight 
through the patient, or produce electrolysis of the tissue 
from one pole to the other, and then would turn on 250 
milliaraperes, believing that he actually produced electro- 
lysis of fibroid tumors of the uterus. 

We have said the whole theory of "Regular'* Electro- 
Therapeutics is based upon the fact of electrolysis. Let 
us examine their literature upon the subject and see if we 
are misstating their position. On page 108 of "Electricity 
.in Diseases of Women and Obstetrics," by Benjamin H. 
Martin, M. D., "Professor of Gynecology Post-Graduate 
Medical School of Chicago, attending surgeon Women's 
Hospital of Chicago. Gynecologist to Charity aud Post- 
Graduate Hospitals, member of the Chicago Gynecological 
Society, etc., etc.," says, "Electrolysis is the power pos- 
sessed by the voltaic current of chemically decomposing a 
compound body into its constituent elements. An elec- 
trolyte is that body or substance which is capable of being 



280 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

dissolved into its several elements by means of the electric 
current. The ions are the product of electrolysis or the 
constituent parts into which an electrolyte has been di- 
vided by the current of electricity. When the two elec- 
trodes from a galvanic battery are plunged into a solution 
containing electrolyte to be decomposed, definite propor- 
tions of the ions are attracted by the positive pole, while 
the remainder are attracted by the negative pole. Those 
which are deposited or attracted by the positive pole or 
anode are called anions, while those which are deposited 
or attracted by the negative pole or cathode are called 
catJiions. " After thus explaining what electrolysis really 
is, on page 110, he says, "That electrolysis does occur, how- 
ever, in living tissues, we have obtained proof. When it 
is remembered that from one-half to two-thirds in bulk 
of the human tissue of the body is water, we can, at least, 
readily understand why electrolysis should occur under 
proper influences. While the galvanic current, passed 
through a soft living tissue, has not an uninterrupted fluid 
medium, it has practically a fluid medium divided into in- 
numerable compartments, each one separated from the 
other by a thin wall of solid. During the passage of the 
current, each of these particles of solids, acts as a positive 
electrode on the fluid between it and the solid particle in 
front of it. Each molecule of fluid in a conducting solid, 
therefore, in the line of a galvanic current, may become 
electrolyzed." And on page 111, he says, k 'Now, are we 
not in a position to explain how tissue-change, or absorp- 
tion even, may be promoted by these two factors alone, 
when applied to living normal tissues ? A galvanic cur- 
rent of moderate or decided strength is made to traverse a 
portion of living tissues and the most susceptible mole- 
cules in the course of the current become broken into their 
original elements. (1.) These liberated elements imme- 
diately make a similar or different combination with 
neighboring elements of opposite electrical tendencies, 
making thereby new compounds which act as foreign par- 
ticles; as foreign particles, they are promptly removed by 
the nearest absorbent. (2.) Other elements, as they be- 
come free from their original molecules, make combina- 
tions with elements which are already leaving the tissues 
through one of their innumerable minute vascular or ab- 
sorbent canals. (3.) Many in the form of gas. pour into 
the atmosphere beneath and surrounding the electrodes. 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 281 

(4.) Others attack the electrodes and a re disposed of in 
the form of deposits on their surfaces. (5.) The current 
by its cataphoric action, produces an engorgement of the 
tissues at the negative end of the circuit. The absorbents 
in that portion of the tissues will promptly make an effort 
to establish an equilibrium, and by a direct action of 
endosmosis, they are filled and the excess is carried away 
in their currents. "' On pages 121-2 Dr. Martin gives a con- 
cise summary of their whole philosophy of Electro-Thera- 
peutics, as follows: 

"1. Electrolysis in living tissues, is in direct proportion 
to the strength of the current and direct proportion to its 
density. 

■'2. Electrolysis may occur at any or all the points in 
the line of the tissue current, as well as at the external 
poles. 

"'3. Electrical osmosis, or the cataphoric act ion of the 
galvanic current, causes a direct transference of the fluids 
of the body through the tissues t in a direction from the 
positive to the negative pole. 

'•4. The products of interstitial electrolysis of living 
tissues, are removed by the absorbents of the tissue in 
which the action occurs. 

"5. When a portion of living tissue becomes over- 
charged with fluids from the effect of electrical osmosis, it 
is unloaded by the absorbents of the part acted upon. 

"6. The polar effect of an electrode upon the living tis- 
sue with a concentrated electrode, varies with the polarity 
as well as the strength of the current. 

"7. The cathode acts locally like the varying effects of 
an alkali of different strengths, from (a) a slight burning 
with accompanying redness of the parts; with a mild cur- 
rent, (b) a more decided burning sensation with a local 
destruction of the superficial tissue, leaving a white scar: 
with a medium current, to (c) a severe burning pain accom- 
panied with an active and deep destruction of tissues, a 
perceptible gathering of fluid products, and an active 
escape of gasses through the fluids, with a strong concen- 
trated current. 

"8. The anode acts locally like the varying effects of a 
deep penetrating acid of different degrees of concentration, 
from (a) a slight feeling of discomfort with a local redness 
of the tissues; with a mild current, with (b) a decided feeling 
of. discomfort, a tendency to numbness, and a superficial 



282 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

hardening of the portion of tissue in contact with the elec- 
trode; with a medium current, to (c) a severe local pain 
accompanied with numbness, and an effect of coagulation 
and hardening of the tissues for some considerable distance 
around the electrode, with a strong concentrated current.'' 

In the paper on treatment of stricture, in the Interna- 
tional System of Electro-Therapeutics, Robert Newman, 
M. D., gives a thorough exposition of this philosophy of 
Medical Electricity, from which we quote at some length, 
as we do not want to misrepresent the status of their fun- 
damental theory of electrical action. 

''Electrolysis is the decomposition of a compound body 
by electricity— a chemical decomposition. The body to be 
decomposed must possess certain elements to be an electro- 
lyte, and, as a compound body, must contain water and 
salt. A simple element cannot be further subdivided, and, 
therefore, cannot be an electrolyte. Tissues of the human 
body have all the properties of an electrolyte, and there- 
fore electrolysis can be applied there, and electrolysis as a 
chemical action is an indisputed fact. 

"Nicholson and Carlisle discovered this process of elec- 
trical decomposition in 1800, and successfully electrolyzed 
water into oxygen and hydrogen; therefore the theory is 
not new, and the explanation can be found in any text- 
book on elementary physics and chemistry. In combina- 
tion with this chemical action is the cataphoric, which by 
some authors is considered an important factor of electro- 
lysis. The explanation lies in the direction of the cur- 
rent interpolar, between the elements from zinc to carbou, 
or the current from electro- negative to the electro-posi- 
tive. In the external current between anode and cathode 
the direction of the current is positive, and the particles 
of the fluid gather at the electro-negative pole, which is 
the cathode. The galvanic current only produces the de- 
sired result."— M.—l, International Therapeutics. 

"Meat Test— The poles of the battery, in the shape 
of two needles (platinum are best) are inserted in 
a piece of fresh raw meat. After electrolytic action 
has been allowed to take place for a while, t'.:e differ- 
ence in pole action can readily be seen. The positive 
pole almost destroys it; at the negative pole the color 
is nearly white, and bubbles of hydrogen appear. In 
electrolysis the action of the poles is very different, 
each having its own function. The positive pole attracts 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 283 

the acids and the oxygen from the tissues and coagulates 
the blood. The negative pole attracts the alkalies, hydro- 
gen and the base of the. salt, dissolves blood (but forms a 
plug from froth of the hydrogen), coagulates albumen, 
and causes absorption. The positive pole acts like an acid 
and burns Jike fire, which is not only exceedingly painful. 
but may leave a hard, resilient cicatrix. The negative 
pole acts more like a caustic alkali, which should not hurt 
so severely during the application, and leaves, if carried to 
excess, a cicatrix which is soft and not retractile. Thus it 
is evident that, for the immediate destruction of tumors 
and for the treatment of strictures, the negative poie 
should be selected. Electrolysis requires the presence of 
water, and that is present in every tissue of the human 
body. It is vitally important to distinguish the poles, 
and, as we cannot trust to the marks of the instrument- 
maker, we must always ascertain which is the positive and 
which is the negative pole. The positive pole is noiseless, 
the litmus-paper applied to it shows an acid reaction, and 
the needle adheres firmly to its surroundings in the meat: 
the- needle of the negative pole sticks loosely in the meat, 
can easily be removed, and during electrolysis a hissing 
sound proceeds from it. A piece of fresh meat still con- 
tains enough water to become an electrolyte, while the 
living body, in which the circulation is active, is better: 
a dried up piece of meat is not an electrolyte. The author 
has made practical experiments on dogs, on pieces of meat, 
and pathological specimens, particularly with carcinoma. 
From among them the following are mentioned: (a) Into 
a piece of fresh raw pork two large platinum needles were 
inserted, at a distance of three inches apart. The current 
of thirty-five cells from a galvanic battery was allowed to 
pass for fifteen minutes, after which the meat between 
and around the needies was thoroughly changed into a 
soft pulp. A weaker current caused changes proportion- 
ately: the current of five cells produced distinct effects in 
five seconds, twenty cells in one second, (b) Into a piece 
of meat, containing a bone in the centre, the needles are 
inserted at a distance of two and a-half inches from each 
other. One large platinum needle was tlien connected 
with the positive pole, while with the negative pole two 
small steel needles were connected. These needles were 
inserted close to the bone, and one direct into the bone 
cells. The negative current of thirty-five cells in fifteen 



284 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

minutes produced changes in the entire tissue, so that the 
bone around one negative needle was entirely destroyed." 
—Ibid. M.— 2 and 3. 

Here then is the philosophy of electrical action upon the 
living tissues of the human organism, based upon the 
electro-chemical phenomena which take place in water 
in fresh meat, and in short, all organic or inorganic sub, 
stances, when a current of sufficient electro-motive force 
and intensity is sent through them to disintegrate their 
molecular integrity; in other words, to wholly destroy the 
organic conditions of an organic body, and break up 
present molecular relations in an inorganic body, when in 
either case chemical laws instantly go to work to construct 
new atomic relations; and the new product is builded on 
chemical laws wholly, whether the electrolysis occurred in 
an organic or inorganic body. 

Why did not these experimenters complete their experi- 
ments, and subject the whole human body to the same 
proportion of current that it takes to decompose water, 
and a piece of fresh meat? 

The recent claims of D'Arsonval, who announces that 
electricity does not electrocute the criminal, throw a ludi- 
crous halo around our friends, to say the least; he says the 
criminal is not killed, but his physiological functions are 
inhibited— simply the functions of the body are brought 
to a standstill by the powerful action of electricity upon 
the nerves, the criminal being in a trance — electric trance, 
as it were, and death really occurs, he says, from the sur- 
geon's knife at the autorsy ! This is certainly a startling 
announcement to the advocates of electrolysis, as well as 
to the humane society: for if electricity does, as so posi- 
tively averred by our above quoted eminent authors, pro- 
duce electrolysis throughout the whole interpolar region, 
certainly no power could resuscitate the criminal, and if 
electrocution only inhibits the functional activity of the 
body, it is in order for the advocates of the "Therapeutic" 
electrolysis theory to arise and explain the explanation as 
to why the whole patient does not become raw meat under 
a "'medical" electric current which produces chemical de- 
composition. Then, if D'Arsonval is correct, the theory 
of therapeutic electrolysis is disproved without further 
argument, and if he should be wrong, then the very fact 
of patients surviving the therapeutic electric currents is 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 285 

proof in itself that electrolysis cannot occur. There is no 
attempt to explain— in fact there can be no possible expla- 
nation—why electrolysis, if it occurs in the living tissues 
in th interpolar region, should be in any way different 
from the electrolytic phenomena that occur in the ele- 
ments of the battery cell, in fresh meat, in salt water, or 
in any other substance, whether it is organic or inorganic: 
the fact is, that if electrolysis occurs in t he application of 
electricity to the living tissues of the body it simply means 
disintegration (destruction) of the organic continuity, and 
reconstruction of molecular conditions by the chemical 
changes and interchanges which instantly ensue, which 
new molecular constitution must necessarily be inorganic. 
The very fact then that patients not only live under the 
application of medical electricity, eveu by the advocates 
of the electrolysis theory, but actually improve, and their 
ailments disappear, is proof positive that this theory i> 
false, and elect rolysfs cannot occur in therapeutic electric- 
ity. This is one of the many singular instances of the 
inutility of theory, when not in accord with practical re- 
sults- Here is an agent producing valuable results in 
many cases, applied upon a false and harmful dogma. 
Certainly if such good results so often follow the applica- 
tion of this agent upon such a false idea, how much more 
good can be accomplished with it if used in accordance 
with the true philosophy of its physiological action and in 
harmony with the normal functional activities of the body. 
Physio-Medical philosophv rejects this idea of electroly- 
sis as the fundamental basis of Electro-Therapeutics. 
That electrolysis can be produced upon the living tissues 
of the body it does not deny, indeed it is willing to make 
use of electrolysis to get rid of superfluous offending tissues 
or new growths, but it admits electrolysis as it admits the 
surgeon's knife, as a last resort, and as an acknowledge- 
ment of final failure to redeem and restore the organic 
integrity of tissues, by most thorough sanative thera- 
peutic means. We accept electricity as a Physio-Medical 
agent becnuse its current force for all necessary practical 
medical uses is perfectly sanative, and in line with the 
vital endeavors to restore and maintain the physiological 
equilibrium. All who use electricity to any extent in the 
cure of diseases, regardless of school or theoretical belief 
as to its action, must admit that under its influence in 
proper current, intelligently applied in accordance with 



286 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

the conditions, that nutrition is promoted; that the circu- 
lation, local or general, is increased; that the functions of 
assimilation and dissimilation are rendered more active; 
that nerve energy is increased and equalized; and that the 
patient experiences a strengthening and invigorating effect 
from its application. Upon these results we establish the 
Physio-Medical philosophy of Electro-Therapeutics. The 
term "catalysis" was used by the old electricians— who 
are now called empirics — on the above idea with the enu- 
merated beneficial results which have been so frequently 
observed and lauded by all alike, regardless of school, or 
theory, since its discovery. This term, as well as these 
facts which are incontrovertible, it is now sought by the 
advocates of the new Electro-Therapeutics to relegate to 
the realms of empiricism and obsolescence. 

Static electricity was the first form of electricity discov- 
ered, and the only kind used for medical purposes for a 
great many years. Any one at all acquainted with its 
nature knows that it is impossible to produce electrolysis 
with static elecricity. This form is in fact nascent elec- 
tricity, yet it is not the result of chemical action. Great- 
confusion has arisen from the close resemblance of elec- 
trical and chemical forces and phenomena; the fact is that 
writers upon the subject seem to make no distinction be- 
tween chemical action and electrical force, notwithstand- 
ing the fact that a correct understanding of the same 
constitutes the basis of all correct Electro-Therapeutic 
investigation. In the galvanic battery we have first the 
chemical action of the fluid upon the metal (zinc), its 
chemical molecular disintegration, and the liberation of 
atoms which instantly seek new combinations. Asa re- 
sult of this general breaking up of the old, and formatiou 
of new atomic relations, as far as affinities permit, there 
are atoms, or, perhaps, atomic constituencies, combined 
into kinetic energy, constituting the subtile ethereal force 
which we call electricity; which now seeking a level of 
potentiality, readily traverses any conducting media from 
one element of the battery out through all intermediate 
or interposed substances forming a circuit as it returns to 
the other element of the battery, which is of less potenti- 
ality, thus constituting the electric current. Thus while 
chemical action creates the conditions from which arises 
electrical force, we must not confuse the conditions with 
the result itself, for the chemical action and the electrical 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS 2*7 

force are certainly two entirely different things. As proof 
of this, in statical or mechanical electricity we have no 
chemical action or disintegration from which the electri- 
cal force is generated; here the electrical force is obtained 
simply by agitation of the atmosphere from which it is 
liberated, and seeking the balance of potential as before. 
is taken up by the proper conducting media and consti- 
tutes the static electrical current. Therefore this the- 
ory of chemico-electro-therapeutics, which is assumed, 
perhaps, in order to harmonize electricity with the mod- 
ern ehemico-therapeiitics, is as fallacious as the idea of 
electrolysis. 

A few experiments with the electrical current under 
proper conditions will demonstrate our theory of physio- 
logical electro-therapeutics. With the life-slide, place un- 
der the microscope an amoeba; attach about No. 30 wire 
electrodes, bringing the poles a little distance at opposite 
points from the amoeba, and turn on with a good current 
controller first an exceedingly mild galvanic current. Af- 
ter a few seconds the amoeba will exhibit more activity, it 
will move with greater vigor and seemingly increase in 
bulk Now increase the current slowly and very gradu- 
ally; the amoeba exhibits correspondingly increased activ- 
ity, but when the current has reached a certain degree of 
strength, il exhibits symptoms of exhaustion, and finally 
assumes a spherical form, all motion ceases, and it is ap- 
parently dead: but with a very mild faradic secondary 
current from coarse wire it can be resuscitated; if, how- 
ever, the galvanic current is continued five minutes longer 
after assuming the spherical form, it remains motionless 
despite all efforts to resuscitate it, and i n the course of 
twenty minutes to an hour disintegration has taken place: 
it is reduced by chemical action back into the simpler ele- 
ments, and as an amoeba is gone forever. 

If the faradic current, exceedingly mild, is used instead 
of the galvanic, and not increased, the amoeba will live and 
seemingly do well under it for an almost indefinite time; 
but if this current is increased gradually as with the gal- 
vanic current, the same result occurs, though not nearly 
so soon. The same phenomena exactly will be observed in 
experiments with the white blood-corpuscles. Now. cer- 
tainly, electrolysis has not occurred in the amoeba or white 
blood-corpuscles when they can be resuscitated with the 
mild faradic current, and chemical disintegration and de- 



288 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

composition does not occur until a considerable period 
after all life manifestations have ceased. Then what does 
kill the amoeba and the white blood-corpuscles ? Exactly 
the same thing that would cause the death of the complex 
organism of the human body under proportionately the 
same force. It is essential that we bear in mind the pro- 
portionate relation between micro-organism and the vol 
ume of electric current. We have a being so minute that 
it must be increased in volume several hundred times to 
come within the region of our optical power, consequently 
electro-motive force and current quantity must be propor- 
tionately diminished, Now apply the same proportion to 
the whole human organism, or in other words, take the 
same amount of current strength that would kill an amoe- 
ba or white blood-corpuscle and multiply it by the number 
of living bioplasts in the human organism, and we would 
have enough electrical force to kill a billion men! And 
yet they undertake to base Electro-Therapeutic hypothesis 
upon such data, The fact is that the most harmless and 
beneficial substance used by man would, if applied in the 
same ratio, become a huge sum of evil. Let us undertake 
to use bread for instance in the same proportion as the 
electric current required to kill the amoeba and the white 
blood-corpuscles, and we would be crushed under the 
weight of billions of loaves, much less attempting to eat 
them. 

Adjust the web of a frog's foot under the microscope 
with a magnifying power of 900 or 1,000 diameters, and 
arrange the poles of the battery under a current con- 
troller, turn on— what is best for this experiment— the 
faradic current coarse secondary coil with rapid interrup- 
tions, bring on the current exceedingly mild at first, 
gently increasing it to the current strength that would 
be barely perceptible through the little finger. Watch 
carefully the change that takes place. The accompanying- 
cut, which is partly diagramatic, gives only a faint illus- 
tration of what can be seen under proper conditions after 
the current has been applied for from twenty to thirty 
minutes. The first thing to be seen is an increase in the 
circulation as evidenced by the rapid movement of the 
blood-corpuscles. There will be an increase in the number 
of red blood-corpuscles seen in the vessels near the positive 
pole, which will finally extend toward the negative till it 
covers nearly half of that polar region.- Now after start- 



ELECTRO -THERAPEUTICS. 



589 



ing the current again, with a camel's hair brush apply to 
the surface both above and beneath, close to the positi ve 
pole, a very small quantity of staining fluid, analine blue, 
for instance; after the current is continued for perhaps 
five or ten minutes, the white blood-corpuscles and the 
extravascular interspaces (areolae) will be seen to become 
filled with the coloring matter; and gradually the stain- 
ing will move like a cloud through the areolar interspaces 
toward the negative pole, and remain collected in a dense 
cloud about this region. Now reverse the poles, and after 
the current has continued fo: from ten to twenty minutes 
the whole process is reversed; the vessels at the other pole. 
now negative, become richer in blood-corpuscles, and grad- 




THE WEB OF A FROG'S FOOT UNDER THE FARADIC CURRENT 
AS SEEN UNDER THE MICROSCOPE, plus 1,000. 

Partly diagramatic; that is, the electrodes P and N of course were not 
in the microscopic field; and the fibrous net work F is introduced to show 
the form and limits of the extravascular space-, A. 



290 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

ually the cloud of color traverses to the negative pole 
again. There is nothing resembling electrolysis in this 
phenomenon; the current is a faradic secondary, with 
which it is impossible to produce electrolysis in any sub- 
stance, and there is no disintegration of tissue elements or 
tissues; on the contrary there is every evidence of in- 
creased vital activity, and all the conditions favorable to 
the great physiological process of nutrition and growth. 

The lesson we learn from these experiments with the 
amoeba and white blood-corpuscles, and the webb of the 
frog's foot, is one of vast importance. Not least of which 
is, that electricity applied in accordance with the physio- 
logical demands of deranged tissue conditions, and per- 
verted functional actions, it exerts a mild stimulating, 
toning effect upon the living matter of the tissue elements, 
and from the initial increase and strmgth of vital actions 
arises a general equilibrium of nervous action and circula- 
tory volume and strength, favoring all the important steps 
of assimilation, reparation, and disassimilation. 

Upon these facts as observed by the application of elec- 
tricity and the web of the frog's foot under the microscope, 
and which can be further extended by experimenting with 
the mesentery of a young mouse, the cornea of a frog, and 
patches of epithelium scraped from the tongue, etc., sub- 
jected to the same electrical current under the microscope, 
we base our philosophy of Physio-Medical Electro-Thera- 
peutics. 

As a basis, then, of our theory of Electro-Therapeutics, 
and for the want of a better term, we have coined the 
word "Electr osmosis." By this term we mean the sana- 
tive influence of properly applied electrical currents, of 
mild and harmless strength and volume, that shall act in 
the line of the resistive and reconstructive efforts of the 
Vital Force. In fact the term is synonymous with that of 
"catalysis" as used by the older electricians. 

The contenders for therapeutic electrolysis are compelled 
to admit all these facts as to the increase of all the nutri- 
tive functions, the general invigorating, tonic, and stimu- 
lating effect of electricity upon the system; but they 
allude to it in a vague way, exactly as they admit the 
"vital force" in the living organism whose actions "are 
sometimes constructive, sometimes destructive;" but 
when pressed as to what is really meant by the term "vital 
force," no definite answer is elicited. It seems then that 



ELECTRO -THERAPEUTICS. 291 

the term electrolysis being more in harmony with the idea 
of induced diseased conditions to remedy existing patholog- 
ical states, it is desirable to do away with all ideas of san- 
ative influences of mild electrical therapeutical currents. 

"We are aware that tissue changes are produced, that 
nutrition is promoted, that obscure nervous tendencies ai> j 
transformed by the mildest application of the faradic. stat- 
ic or galvanic form of electricity. * * * These effects of 
the current, then, including the refreshing and invigora- 
ting effect often experienced from the application of the 
above forms of electricity, which cannot be the effects of 
electrolysis, but which may be due to the mechanical ef- 
fects of the current, which, like massage or other form of 
mechanical treatment, favors tissue changes, are included 
under the convenient name catalysis, a term which it is to 
be hoped may rapidly become obsolete, with many other 
terms connected with empiricism.'' — Electricity, Diseases 
of Women avid Obstetrics. F. H. Martin, M. D. 

And why, forsooth, should this and other terms of •'em- 
piricism" become obsolete, if they express exactly what 
takes place under "the mildest application of the faradic. 
static, or galvanic form of electricity?" In the absence 
of any reason given by the above, or all other authors of 
that school, are we not justified in presuming that the 
term catalysis and all that it implies being directly opposed 
to the fundamental basis of the medical philosophy of 
l 'contraria contrarius cnranterC and "dlos pathos" it 
is desirable to get rid of it and base Electro-Therapeutics 
u'ou electrolysis, which means electro-chemical disinte- 
gration of the living tissues— destruction of diseased tissue 
elements in the hope that in the reconstructive efforts of 
the vital force the diseased conditions may be eradicated ? 
We are justified further in this conclusion from the fact 
that hundreds of terms far more empirical are still re- 
tained and continually used. For instance, the terms 
inflammation, artery, diaphragm, Bright's disease, have 
all arisen from the most empirical and erroneous ideas of 
anatomy and pathology; they are meaningless and arbi- 
trary in the light of advanced sciences, yet are continually 
used in ail their original glory of "empiricism;" whether 
thus kept in use purposely or not, they are certainly in 
accord with the traditions of the "Regular" medicine -as 
expressed in its present medical philosophy. 



292 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

Physio-Medical .Electrical Dosage. 

Then as we have already seen, from the Physio-Medical 
standpoint the current quantity, intensity, and work, are 
all-important, and summed into one word mean dosage. 
And our dosage means mild sanative currents as applied 
to the organism to correct departures from normal physio- 
logical functional actions. In other words, we seek and 
use those electrical currents that act in harmony with the 
vital force in maintaining the vital integrity of living 
matter and tissue elements, purposeful and harmonious 
functional activities, the constructive and sanative efforts 
of the vital force generally — Sanative Electro- Therapeu- 
tics. 

Our dosage being mild and sanative, it follows that our 
most valuable current quality is the induced; the faradie 
apparatus and farad ism being the basis of Physio-Medical 
electricity. Not that the galvanic does not afford us valu- 
able sanative work in proper dosage, but the faradie sec- 
ondary is the most valuable. 

The Faradie Current- 

It is not necessary here to describe minutely the faradie 
apparatus, much less attempt to refer to the numerous 
faradie machines on the market. We therefore content 
ourselves with briefly classifying the current qualities and 
the Electro-Therapeutic effects of each. 

From the faradie apparatus, as generally constructed, 
we get three qualities of current, each of which may be 
varied and multiplied by special construction of the appa- 
ratus. These, mentioned in proper sequence of their oc- 
currence, are: — 

1st. Primary faradie. 

2d. Induced, or secondary faradie. 

3d. Electro-magnetic. 

Primary F<tradic. — This is the current coming from 
one element of the cell, or battery, traversing the first or 
primary wire coiled around a soft iron core, and after trav- 
eling through whatever essential media there may be in 
the circuit of the faradie machine— current controller, 
switches, etc., and the interposed media— the patient— 
finally returns to the other element of the cell. 

As the current travels around the coils of the primary 
wire encircling the soft iron core, it induces a static force 



ELECTRO -THELtAPEUTK >. 2^ '4 

in the core called magnetism and it becomes a magnet. 
This fact is taken advantage of to mechanically interrupt 
The current— break it up into'exceetlingly short waves. A 
little metal hammer on a spring or flexible post is placed 
in front close to the end of the core, so that when it be- 
comes magnetized this hammer or "rheotome" is attracted 
to it and drawn away from a screw point in an adjacent 
stationary post which is bringing the current to the coil. 
This movement of the rheotome breaks the current, when 
the core is instantly demagnetized, releasing the rheotome. 
which flies back, receiving the current, again magnetizing 
the core, which attracts the rheotome to again break the 
current and demagnetize the core, and thus the current 
is more or less rapidly interrupted according to the rapid- 
ity of the vibrations of the rheotome. 

The wire of the primary coil is quite coarse, which offers 
less resistance and affords a greater volume of current. 
Therefore we have two essential qualities of current, viz.: 
high volume and low tension. 

To these may be added a third quality, that of rapidity 
of interruptions. 

Therapeutically we get from the primary faradic current 
muscular stimulation, by the large volume, low tension 
and slow interruptions. Va so -motor stimulation, by 
the large volume, very rapidly interrupted, giving a great- 
er intensity. 

Secondary Faradic or Induced Current. — This is our 
most valuable current, especially as afforded by the recent 
improvements in faradic machines. We have a variety of 
current qualities, which in their sequence may be classi- 
fied as follows: 

Large volume [voltage) and high potency. This is ob- 
tained from a coarse secondary cv.il of moderate length, 
whose potency may be varied by the character of the inter- 
ruptions, as follows: Slow interruptions, stimulates mus- 
cular tonicity, voluntary and involuntary: increases local 
nutrition by increasing the circulation- -vaso-motor stimu- 
lation. Rapid interruptions,, vigorous muscular stimula- 
tion, and increased nervous circulation. 

Smaller volume (amperage) a tid higher tension (poten- 
cy). This is obtained by a secondary coil of fine wire (No. 20) 
and considerable length (1.500 feet. This may be varied by 
the character of the interruptions as follows: Slow inter- 
ruptiotts, stimulates deep muscles, and increases vaso- 



294 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

motor action. Moderately applied tor thirty to forty min- 
utes with 600 or 800 interruptions per minute, it leaves a 
general pleasantly stimulated sensation, and an invigor- 
ating effect. Rapid interrupt Ions, from 1,000 to 1,500 per 
minute. This current will exert a still more soothing 
influence upon the nervous system if applied generally, say 
at the back of the neck and to the feet; at the same time 
it increases the vaso-motor functions generally, so that 
after thirty or forty minutes or an hour's sitting the pa- 
tient is in a general warm perspiration, and no matter 
where or how many aches and pains, acute or chronic, he 
is in a most agreeable state of perfect ease and quietude; 
if he has lost sleep from pain he will go to sleep under the 
treatment, and awake at the end of it with a feeling of 
deep rest and refreshment. Very rapid interruptions, 
3,000 to 5,000 per minute, increases the above effects, and 
is best in cases of extreme nervousness, with acute pain 
and tenderness locally. 

Very small volume {amperage) and exceedingly high 
tension. This most valuable current is obtained with a 
very fine wire (36 or 40) and 2,500 to 3,000 feet long, and is 
usually used with very rapid interruptions, 3,000 to 5,000 
per minute. It is the nervine current. Used with the 
positive pole at the back of the neck and the negative at 
the feet, with a sitting of forty to sixty minutes, it most 
effectually relieves all nerve tension, pains, aches, and 
general muscular soreness. 

Applied locally it relieves local congestions, engorge- 
ments, tenderness, and irritation. In ovarian irritation, 
congestions acute or chronic, hypertrophies, or other en- 
largements of uterus and appendage; chronic enlargements 
of the liver, spleen and kidneys; congestion, pain and ten- 
derness of the stomach and bowels. 

Electro- Magnetic Current.— When the soft iron core 
in the primary coil of the farad ic apparatus is unmagnet- 
i zed by the sudden stoppage of the current through the 
primary wire as the rheotome strikes it, breaking the con- 
nection between it and the screw post, as in f he ordinary 
arrangement of the machine, the static magnetic force 
instantly pours out of it in every direction, as light, or 
heat-rays would emanate from a radiant or a heated body; 
and obeying the physical law of electricity, it seeks a me- 
dia of less potential, which would be the wire coils. Now 
it is natural to suppose that in seeking its potential leve] 



ELECTRO -THERAPEUTICS. 295 

the magnetic current would lodge in the secondary coil-, 
because they are of much lower potential than the pri- 
mary wire; second, because the initial force of the escaping 
magnetic volume is the greatest at the start and this 
would project at least its main volume through the pri- 
mary coil out to the secondary wires, to which it is drawn 
by the additional force of potential attraction. This 
would add to the secondary faradic currents, already 
described, more or less magnetic current, making it an 
electro-magnetic current. With our present means of 
investigation it is impossible to determine the proportion 
of these two forces— electric and magnetic— in this combi- 
nation, much less to determine which is the greater or less 
factor in the therapeutic effects of this current. 

Magnetic-electric machines have been variously devised, 
affording a current in which the magnetic largely predom- 
inates; but so far they have not yielded therapeutic 
advantages over the faradic currents, and consequently 
have not come into general use. 

The Galvanic Current. 

This is simply the constant stream directly from the 
batteries or cells through switches, current controller, 
milliamperemeter, and any other essential media consti- 
tuting the board of galvanic apparatus, and the interposed 
media as the patient. From this current we get the larg- 
est current force, amperage, from a medical standpoint at 
least, and therefore it should be used moderately. 

The most useful form of galvanic current is the inter- 
rupted. It is found that by mechanically breaking the 
current flow into exceedingly short waves or rapid inter- 
ruptions a very large amperage or current quantity can be 
used without producing electrolysis of the tissues; indeed 
the application soothes irritation, relieves pain, the 
structures being in a state resembling anaesthesia for some 
little time after the current is discontinued. 

The best, cheapest, and simplest galvanic interrupter is 
a small electric motor: the toy motors which range in 
price from $1.50 to $5.00 are quite sufficient. The little 
metal pulley-wheel is divided into about three or four 
equal segments insulated from each other by filing broad 
grooves and fitting in them segments of wood or other 
non-conducting material. The motor is run with about 
three small cells which can be thrown on in succession by 



296 ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 

a selector or double switch. The first cell runs the motor 
at a moderate speed; by adding to it the second it runs at 
a rapid speed; and adding the third, exceedingly rapid 
revolutions are attained. It is now only necessary to 
bring the galvanic current to the pulley by spring bearings 
so that one bears against the end of the metal pulley, and 
the other bears on the segmented surface of it, sliding 
alternately over a wooden and a metal segment, thus 
breaking and making the current with proportionate 
rapidity to the revolutions of the pulley. 

The galvanic current thus interrupted is better than 
the constant current for fibrous and fibroid tumors; for 
cysts of very fluid contents, such as ovarian cysts; and for 
pleural and abdominal effusions, etc. 

For vascular tumors and cheesey cysts the constant cur- 
rent should be used. 

No Heroic Dosage. 

In all currents, but especially the galvanic constant, 
mild amperage should be used; the current strength need 
never exceed fifteen or twenty milliamperes. It is just as 
grave a mistake to believe that heroic electric dosage is 
necessary, even in the removal by absorption of fibrous 
tumors, as to administer heroic therapeutic remedies and 
dosage, such as strychnia, aconite, dynamite, etc. For we 
insist, as has been amply proved herein from the best au- 
thority, viz., its own advocates, that electrolysis never 
occurs in the interpolar region; and these growths are re- 
moved by the physiological process of absorption, which is 
simply increased to its highest activity by the sanative 
stimulating influence of the electric current upon the liv- 
ing matter of tissue elements. 

Let us here impress upon the Physio-Medical beginner 
in the use of electricity, that a good knowledge of physiol- 
ogy, the Physio-Medical philosophy of Electro-Therapeu- 
tics, and a little patience and perseverance will accomplish 
far greater curative results with mild and persistent cur- 
rents of electricity, than by the painful and dangerous 
heroic dosage. 

The author has followed the simple rule for twenty-live 
years of using no current of electricity stronger than the 
patient can agreeably bear. Our milliamperemeter im- 
practical dosage is the patient. Briefly stated our method 
is as a rule, mild currents, stationary large electrodes, and 



ELECTRO - THERAPEUTICS. 297 

long sittings, from 30 minutes to one hour. Seated in an 
easy upholstered chair wired for the purpose, we place our 
re-enforcement pads, (see Max Wocher & Son's catalogue. 
Cincinnati, Ohio,) upon the patient at the required points, 
hand them some interesting literature to entertain them- 
selves with, turn on the current with a Massey controller 
till the patient says, '-That's about right," and then go 
about our business, probably attending to five or six other 
office patients in the mean time. 

To the honest critic who believes the above method old- 
fashioned, '-empirical,'' and -'too weak" to accompli>h 
anything, we have only to say that, although we never 
take ''certificates," we can furnish ample proof of the re- 
moval of an ovarian cyst, large as the gravid uterus at full 
term, by the faradic secondary current, an hour's sitting 
every third day for three months. The removal of numer- 
ous fibrous and fibroids, from the size of a hulled walnut 
to a cocoanut, with the faradic secondary, and also the 
galvanic, of not over ten milliamperes, rapidly interrupted. 

Surgical Electricity. 

As already stated we use electrical currents to the extern 
of producing electrolysis, only as we use the scalpel— after 
all sanative resistive and constructive vital efforts, aided 
by sanative therapeutic means, have failed, and it becomes 
necessary to remove an obstructive perverted growth. In 
such cases, where inconveniently situated, and there is 
danger of excessive hemorrhage with the knife, electroly- 
sis becomes a valuable surgical means. Deep electrolysis 
of dense growths, deep or superficial, is accomplished by 
introducing silver or platinum needles, and using the con- 
stant galvanic current of sufficient amperage to cause dis- 
integration or electrolytic action upon the fluids of the 
areolar interspaces, extra-vascular spaces, and living matter 
of the tissue elements at each polar (not interpolar) region. 

Electro-cautery is produced by passing the constant 
galvanic current through variously-shaped platinum cau- 
tery-knives, which are constructed so as to form a circuit 
of sufficient intensity to bring the knife to a white heat. 

With our modern aseptic surgical technique, and our 
means of controlling hemorrhage with compression forceps 
and the Esmarch bandage, surgical electricity can never 
attain a very prominent position. 

However for facial blemishes electrolysis has a field that 



298 EMBELIA. 

is fast bringing it into prominence. Warty growths, 
moles, nevi, etc., and superfluous hairs, can be removed by 
the constant galvanic current. But here, as in the gener- 
al use of electricity, much harm has been done by heroic 
dosage amounting to actual cautery, producing a wound 
exceedingly hard to heal and leaving a cicatrix much more 
unsightly than the original blemish. Mild current with 
low tension, which effects electrolysis of the fluid plasma 
and living matter, and not actual cautery, though the 
treatment requires a little more time and patience, will 
accomplish the work more effectually and leave no cic- 
atrix, 

ELETTAEIA REPENS. 
Cardamon. Malabar. 

The seeds are a stimulating, aromatic, warming carmi- 
native. They are chiefly used as a vehicle for cathartics 
to prevent griping and nausea; and with bitter tonics, es- 
pecially with quinia sulph, gentiana and apocynum an- 
drosem. It partially covers the bitter taste. 
Cardamon Seed 

Caraway Seed aa. oz. 1 

Cinnamon Bark oz. 2 

Raisins, Seedless grs. 8 

Or 

Cardamon Seed 

Cassia Cin. aa. oz. 2f 

Caraway Seed oz. H 

Either formula makes one pint of fluid compound carda- 
mon. Either forms a good vehicle for bitter medicines. 

EMBELIA RIBES. 

Babarang. India, Malaga. China. 

This climber is native to the forests of Bengal. 

Its seed is similar in appearance to pimento seed and is 
slightly aromatic. It is a pleasant, mild, stimulating, 
astringent, alterative tonic, influencing the mucous and 
serous membranes. It is considered a specific in the treat- 
ment for the expulsion of tape worm. A teaspoonf ul 
twice a day followed by a cathartic is sufficient for a child 
while a dessertspoonful is required for an adult. It usually 
expells the worm dead. 

In small doses it improves digestion, relieves flatulence, 
tones the stomach, soothes and stimulates the nerves, and 



EPIG^EA. 299 

soothes and tones the serous membrane. 

Its alterative quality is best realized when combined 
with some such agent as iris versicolor. 

With salicylate sodium it gives good results in rheuma- 
tism and dyspepsia. 

EPHEDRA ANTLSYPHILITICA. 
Brigham Weed. Western U. S. 

This herb grows in Arizona and the surrounding States. 
It is a mild but positive stimulating alterative, slightly 
astringent. 

By the people among whom it grows it is recognized as a 
very efficient agent in the treatment of gonorrhoea, syph- 
ilis and various eczemas. It is certainly an admirable 
alterant. It soothes, stimulates and tones the general sys- 
tem, but its depurative properties are aided by combining 
with such agents as syr. juglans or iris versicolor. 

It is also valuable in scrofulous diarrhoea and the diar 
rhoea sometimes incident to phthisis and in cholera in- 
fantum in scrofulous, syphilitic and rickety children. It 
eliminates impurities, cleanses the blood current, and 
tones the mucous membrane. 

EPIGJEA REPENS. 
Gravel Plant. 

The leaves are a mild stimulating and astringing diu- 
retic. 

In sluggish renal action they stimulate, sooth and tone 
the kidneys and promote diuresis. They relieve the ach- 
ing back and stimulate the prostate gland. This agent 
is of much value in gonorrhoea and cystic catarrh. 
F. E. Epigsea Rep. 3 

'• Mitchella Rep. 2 

Fid. Hydrastis Can. 1 

This is a good remedy for gonorrhoea. 
F. E. Epigsea Rep. dr. iv 

" Celastrus Scan. dr. i 

" Mitchella Rep. dr. ii 

; ' Althsea Ros. dr. ii 

Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv 

This is a valuable prescription for spermatorrhoea and 
all irritable troubles of the urinary apparata. 



300 ERECHTHITES. 

F. E. Epigsea Rep. dr. iv 

" Liriodendron Tul. dr. ii 

" Eupatorium Purpu. dr. ii 
Hydrastia Sulph. gr. i 

Ferri et Pot. Tart. grs. iii 

Syr. Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good tonic for prolapsus uteri, chronic cystitis 
and general pelvic weakness. 

Epigaea Rep. 4 

Amygdalus Pers. Fol. 6 

Cypripedium Pub. 2 

Zingiber i 

This in cold infusion is a good preparation to be used for 
weakness of the bladder, and for gleet. 

EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM. 

Willow-herb. (Epiiobium Spicatum.) 

The root is a pleasant astringent tonic, chiefly influenc- 
ing the mucous membrane and useful in cases of dysentery, 
diarrhoea and cholera infantum. 

The leaves are more diuretic and influence the entire 
pelvic viscera. They are useful in chronic cystitis, cystic 
catarrh, leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea, vaginal weakness, and 
uterine hemorrhages. In severe cases it may have to be 
combined with more positive agents. 

EPIPHEGUS VIRGINIANA. 
Beech-drop. 

This plant is a stimulating astringent. When applied 
to the surface of foul and indolent ulcers and gangrenous 
sores it arouses and cleanses the surface ready for the 
application of an appropriate dressing. Internally or ex- 
ternally it may be used for the relief of hemorrhages. 

ERECHTHITES HIERACTFOLIA. 

Fireweed. 

The leaves and flowers are a mild bitter, stimulating, 
astringent tonic. Its chief influence is expended upon the 
mucous membrane and are best in relaxed and sluggish 
conditions, as in chronic diarrhoea. 

In combination with uva ursi it is valuable in cystic 
catarrh. 

Combined with agents that chiefly influence the genera- 






ERIGERON. 301 

tive organs it is useful in vaginal weakness and in prolap- 
sus uteri. 

It is also of service in hemorrhages of the lungs and of 
the bowels, as "well as in menorrhagia and in post-partem 
hemorrhage. 

Incorporated into an ointment it is a good application 
for old sores, for hemorrhoids and for rectal ulcers. 

The oil of fireweed more or less diluted with olive oil 
forms an excellent application for hemorrhoids. 

ERIGEROX CAXADENSE. 
Canada Fleabane. 

This herb is a diffusive, aromatic, stimulating, astrin- 
gent. It is best administered in small and frequent doses. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation toward the 
surface and is of advantage in hyperagmic conditions. 

In diarrhoea, dysentery and cholera infantum it is a 
superior remedy. Repeat small doses as the conditions 
require. 

it is quite effective for the relief of hemorrhages, 
whether from the lungs, nose, uterus or bowels. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends an infusion to be used as 
an injection in cases of gonorrhoea. 

The oil of erigeron is very diffusive and has almost en- 
tirely superceded the use of the herb for hemorrhages. A 
good fresh article is a success; age impairs the quality of 
both the herb and the oil. Give one to four drops on 
sugar and follow with a little hot water. This is the ordi- 
nary dose of the oil, but do not depend too much upon this 
agent unless you know the quality of the oil you are using. 
You can better depend on capsicum and lobelia or on cap- 
sicum alone. The following is a good preparation to be 
used in such cases: 
Oil Capsicum 

•• Erigeron aa. 1 

Sugar or Lactin 10 

Triturate thoroughly and administer from one to three 
grains every ten minutes for two or three doses and then 
lengthen the time as the conditions require. If it be post- 
partem hemorrhage give only as required or you may check 
the flow so completely as to give trouble i n the opposite 
direction. 

For metrorrhagia Dr. G. H. Mayhugh advises the fol- 
lowing - : 



302 RIODICTYON. 

Oil Cinnamon 
'• Erigeron aa. gtt. 5 to 10 

M. Sig. Give in hot water every five or ten minutes 
till the flow is checked, then give every half hour till relief 
is had. 

In cases of anal fistula apply erigeron throughout its 
entire length. It will cure it. 

In cases of rectal ulcer, it will arouse the parts, but it 
will cure the ulcer. 

ERIGERON PHILADELPHICUM. 

Philadelphia Fleabane. 

This plant is a stimulating diuretic. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says: This agent, combined with some 
good alterant preparation, will cure those afflicted with 
syphilitic ulcers on the lungs. 

ERIGERON STRIGOSUM. 

This is another species of the fleabane. The leaves and 
flowers in medical properties much resemble the erigeron 
philadelphicum. They are valuable, says Dr. F. G. Hoener, 
for cuughs, colds, sores in the mouth or on the tongue or 
tonsils. It may also be used as a gargle for the throat, and 
as a wash for foul ulcers, sores and old wounds. It may 
also be used as an injection for gonorrhoea i n severe caseN. 
and gleet. 

ERIODICTYON GLUTINOSTJM. 
Yerba Santa. Northern California. 

This is of thorough balsamic properties and quite stimu- 
lating to the bronchi, trachea and larynx. It is a superior 
agent to be used in cases of chronic congestions and slug- 
gish conditions, chronic laryngitis, aphonia, paralysis of 
the vocal chords and chronic bronchitis. 

In inflamed and irritated conditions it is best combined 
with more relaxing agents. 

It is a good agent to add to cough syrups when there is a 
dry, hacking cough, a constant desire to clear the throat, 
with sputa scanty and dry. 

It almost completely disguises the bitter taste of quinine 
and an aromatic syrup is an excellent vehicle for the ad- 
ministering of quinine in the proportion of about 8 to 1. 






ERYTHROXYLON. 303 

ERYNGIUM YACCJEFOLIUM. 

Water Eryngo, (E. Aquaticum.) 

Button SnaJce Hoot. 

The roots are a moderately diffusive stimulant, some- 
what relaxing. It influences the mucous membrane, the 
circulation and the secernents. 

In hot infusion it promotes diaphoresis, and increase 
expectoration. 

Large doses prove emetic and cathartic. It is useful in 
the exanthems to bring out the eruptions, as in cases of 
small-pox, scarlatina and measles. 

It is claimed that it will eliminate the viri of snakes. 
For this purpose it should be used internally and applied 
externally. 

It influences the kidneys, the bladder and the urethra 
in the relief of chronic congestions and gleet. Combined 
with epigsea repens it is a superior tonic diuretic, useful in 
dropsy and nephritis. It also lessens erections and pre- 
vents seminal emissions. It lessens urethral, vaginal or 
rectal irritation and is valuable for diarrhoea, leucorrhcea. 
and hemorrhoids. 

It makes a good addition to some alterative medicines 
for the elimination of impurities from the circulation, as 
in scrofula and syphilis. 

ERYTHRONIUM AMERICANUM. 
Adder 's-tongue. 

The leaves ami roots lose much of their power by dry- 
ing. In the green or recently dried state it is a moderate 
stimulating antiseptic and astringent. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends this agent in ha?mateme- 
sis and hamialtirrhcea and says that it is a very cooling 
antiseptic. 

ERYTHROXYLON COCA. 
Cuca, Coca South America. 

The leaves of this plant somewhat resemble the leaves 
of the tea plant. The leaves are dried in the sun and are 
much used by the inhabitants of Peru, Ecuador, Columbia 
and Rio Negro, in which countries it grows wild, and it is 
also much cultivated and used in Bolivia. 

The Peruvian Indians use from one to three ounces a 



304 EUCALYPTUS. 

day and seem to be well sustained by its use. When used 
in moderate quantities it increases nerve energy, re- 
moves drowsiness, gives an indisposition to sleep, much as 
tea or coffee. It enli\ens the spirits and enables the Indi- 
ans to bear cold, wet, bodily exertion, and even the want 
of food for whole days with apparent ease. But they will 
eat freely in the evening. But they find it necessary to 
use in conjunction therewith some alkali, as ashes or lime. 

When well dried they have an agreeable odor and in 
infusion have a peculiar taste somewhat bitter and astrin- 
gent. 

Cocaine C16H19NO4 or C17H21NO4 is the alkaloid. It in- 
duces a series of symptoms affecting the nervous, respira- 
tory, circulatory, vasomotor and glandular systems. 

Cocaine is a local anaesthetic. 

Cocaine Hydro-chlorate. — This salt of cocaine usually 
comes in the form of crystals. Useful in ophthalmology, 
especially the large crystals. H grs. bo 1 dr. dis. water 
equals a 2 per cent, solution. Add 2i grs. for a 4 per cent, 
solution, and double this for an 8 per cent, solution. 

These solutions should always be properly prepared. 

The following is recommended as a dental sedative: 
Hyd. Cocaine gtta xx 

Oil Cloves 

Chloroform aa. dr. i 

Alcohol Oz. i 

Diy the gum and apply a few drops around an aching 
tooth. Squeeze the gum between the finger and thumb 
for a few seconds. This will paralyze the gum. Then 
extract the tooth immediately. It may also be injected 
into the gum. 

Coca Cordial or F. E. may be used. 

Coca. — The leaves in a remarkable degree possess the 
power of sustaining the vital powers, under conditions of 
extraordinary fatigue and privation. Useful in nervous 
exhaustion, sleeplessness, mental depression, and in reliev- 
ing the opium habit. 

EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS. 

Eucalyptus. 

This is an evergreen which grows vigorously in Australia 
and California. The leaves contain numerous pellucid 
glands filled with an essential oil which is quite diffusive, 
having a strong, penetrating, disagreeable odor. This 



EUCALYPTUS. 30i 

odor assists respiration and neutralizes marshy miasms. 
The tree is of very rapid growth and has been very fre- 
quently planted for thea latter purpose. The bark, flowers 
and fruit are covered with glands containing the oil, 
which is denominated eucalyptol. This is an antiseptic 
in fevers and catarrhal affections, in odontalgia, in gonor- 
rhoea and gleet, in gastric ulceration and in diphtheria. 

Dr. J. E. Raop uses locally the following for endo- metri- 
tis: 

Eucalyptol 

Fid. Hydrastis aa. 1 

Glycerin 2 

For nasal catarrh use with the nasal douche or atomizer 
two to four times a day. 
Eucalyptol 

Sodae Bicarb. aa. dr. i 

Glycerin oz. i 

Aqua oz. xvi 

This may also be used as a wash to cleanse offensive dis- 
charges from sores. 

In hot infusion the leaves form a fine febrifuge and anti- 
periodic. They contain a resin which is precipitated when 
water is added. The infusion is quite stimulating to the 
throat and fauces and is serviceable in membranous croup. 
F. E. Baptisia Tine. dr. i 

" Eucalyptus Gl. dr. iss 

Aqua q. s. oz. iv 

Gargle with this every hour and swallow a half teaspoon- 
ful for sore throat. 

F. E. Eucalyptus oz. i 

Aqua q. s, oz. iv 

This is a good antiseptic gargle for diphtheria and scar- 
latina, or 

Eucalyptol gtta xv 

may be added to half a glass of water and used for the 
same purpose. 
For membranous croup use 
F. E. Eucalyptus oz. i 

Syr. Simplex oz. iii 

Ten drops or more of the fluid extract or of the oil four 
times a day will be found serviceable in dropsy. 

Dr. Hunter recommends the following in teaspoonful 
doses every two or three hours for a dry, tickling cough 
and in bronchitis: 



306 EUGENIA. 

Elixir Eucalyptus 

F. E. Grindelia Robusta (soluble) 

"' Cypripedium Pub. aa. oz. ss 

Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv 

Tr. eucalyptus gtta. xx to xxx used three times "a day 
is a specific for cystitis. 

Eucalyptus, benzoate soda, boracic acid, yerba santa. 
yerba reuma, vaseline. Apply locally for nasal catarrh. 

The following forms a good local anaesthetic: Cocaine, 
hydronaphthol. eucalyptus, mentha arvensis, baptisia. 
gaultheria, thyme, benzO-boracic acid. 

Euthymol (eucalyptus and thymol antiseptic), a liquid 
preparation of wide utility. It is neither poisonous, irri- 
tant nor escharotic and is perfectly safe in any form of ad- 
ministration, whether internal or external. It possesses an 
agreeable odor and may be used instead of iodoform and 
carbolic acid. It equals either as an antiseptic and does 
not possess their objectionable characteristics. Each fluid 
ounce contains: 



Oil Eucalyptus 


3-8 M. 


" Gaultheria 


9-32 " 


F. E. Baptisia Tinctoria 


1 1-4 •• 


Boracic Acid 


10 15-16 grs. 


Menthol 


5-64 " 


Thymol 


15-32 " 



This article should not be exposed to the cold. It should 
be used as a spray or internally in doses of a fluid dram 
three or four times a day. 

EUGENIA CHEQUEN. 
Chekan. (Myrtus Chekan) Chili. 

The letives are slightly stimulating, astringing and ton- 
ing to the mucous membrane especially of the respiratory 
organs. 

It contains a good percentage of volatile oil. 

Chekan is tonic, expectorant, diuretic, and antiseptic. 

It is chiefly valued in purulent bronchial inflammation, 
bronchial and Cystic catarrh, emphysema, winter-cough, 
phthisis where the expectoration is too free, catarrhal 
conditions where the expectoration is difficult of removal 
and pneumonia. 

Through its toning power it decreases purulent expec- 
toration. 



EUGENIA. 307 

It also influences the serous membrane and is valuable 
in the treatment of rheumatism. 

EUGENIA JAMBOLANA. 

Jambul, Java Plum. East Indies. 

This is a tree of some considerable size, yielding- an 
abundant crop of a pleasant and a much esteemed sub- 
acid fruit. In the East Indian peninsula it is abundant 
in both the wild and the cultivated states. 

The fresh bark and the leaves yield a juice that is 
valued in the treatment of acute and chronic diarrhoea 
both of children and of adults. 

The use of the root and of the seed give similar favor- 
able results. 

The bark and especially the seeds seem to have the pro- 
perty of arresting - the excessive formation of sugar in cases 
of diabetes mellitis. 

The physicians of India claim that not only does it cure 
diabetes, but that it enables the patient to continue to 
eat anything without augmentation of sugar in the urine. 

It arrests emaciation, assists in the general improve- 
ment of nutrition, giving natural sleep and a less ten- 
dency to micturation. It diminishes the density and 
quantity of urine and relieves the intolerable thirst of 
which those patients suffer. 

It influences intestinal digestion and thus prevents ex- 
cessive saceharitication. It influences the vaso-motor cen- 
ters and is hence useful in cases of diabetes of nervous ori- 
gin. Large doses may produce nausea in some patients. 
In order to better prevent the tendency to glycosuria the 
diet should be watched and restricted to skimmed milk, 
gluten bread and meat. 

The powdered extract may be given in dose of 5 grs. 3 
times a day, or 5 to 8 grains of the powdered seeds may be 
given, or 6 to 8 drops of the fluid extract. These doses 
may be much increased if desired. It is usually best to 
begin with small does, say 5 drops of the fluid extract one 
hour after each meal ana this dose increased one drop per 
dose per day or given as required. 

EUGENIA PIMENTA. 
Allspice. (Pimenta Officinalis.) 

The berry is a mild diffusive, stimulating, astringent 
aromatic. 



308 ETJONYMOTJS. 

It is chiefly used as a vehicle for cathartics and bitter 
tonics. 

In cholera infantum it is used to good advantage, re- 
lieves colic incident to cold and in hot infusion gives a 
good outward circulation and relieves irritation of the 
nervous system. 

EUONYMOUS ATKOPURPUBETJS. 

Wahoo. 

The bark of the root is stronger than that of the trunk 
and twigs but all are used. It is a reliable, gently stimulat- 
ing, bitter tonic hepatic. It is antiperiodic and laxative, 
and in large doses cathartic. 

It will abort mild cases of ague. It may cause nausea 
but does not usually cause emesis. 

It is positive in its action on the liver both assecretor of 
bile and as an excretant of the same from the gall cyst. 
Its tonic influence is extended throughout the mucous 
membrane. As a tonic hepatic it is a superior agent. Its 
mildness and yet positiveness are properties in such degree 
as, possessed by but few agents. It improves appetite and 
gastric digestion and slowly but persistently relieves 
cholasmic poisoning. Its qualities in billiousness and 
jaundice are not surpassed by scarcely any agent. In hy- 
pochondriasis it exerts a gentle depurating influence and 
gives relief to the nervous system. This depurative power 
makes it a good antiperiodic, persist ingly relieving hepatic 
torpor. It is one of those agents that may be used for a 
long time without wearying the system by its use. 

Large doses will prove cathartic, but for this purpose \t 
is best combined with syrup juglans. 

For chronic coughs where there is hepatic torpor it may 
be added to cough syrups with excellent results. 

It may be added to alteratives especially in torpid con- 
ditions of the digestive tract. 

In dyspepsia it is a tonic to the gastric membrane, but 
should be given in small quantities and in frequent doses. 

In dropsy it is best combined with apocynum androsaem- 
rfolium or with some diuretic as iriticum. 

In rheumatism with suitable agents it is a favorite. But 
it must be remembered that the excellency of this agent 
lies in its gentle persistency and not in its excessive action. 
F. E. Euonymous Atrop. oz. i 

Syr. Juglans Cin. q. s. oz. iv 



EUPATORIUM. 309 

Sig. Teaspoonful morning and evening or evening only 
for the relief or habitual constipation. 
F. E. Euonymous At. dr. v 

" Leptandra Virg. dr. ii 

Podophyllin grs. iii 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This is a stimulating hepatic and may be used in tea- 
poonful doses once to three times a day. 

EUPATORIUM ALTERNIFOL1UM. 

False Boneset. 

This plant grows on dry hillsides. The leaves are 
lighter colored than the true boneset, but the flowers are 
very similar. The leaves have the same shape, but are 
loose around the stem, and gummy to the touch. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says he has employed this for many 
years with good success in typhoid and typhus fevers 
especially where there was much tympanitis, also in ty- 
phoid pneumonia and meningitis. He recommends the 
following for typhoid fever, to be taken in dessertspoonful 
doses every two or three hours. 

Elix. Eupatorium Alter. oz. ii 

11 Betonica Lane. 
" Chionanthus Virg. aa oz. i 

If desirable the eupatorium perfoliatum may be used in- 
stead of the alternifolium. 

EUPATORIUM AROMATICUM. 

White Snake-root. (E. Agertoides). 

The roots are a pleasant stimulating and relaxing dif- 
fusive. 

In hot infusion it influences a good flow of blood toward 
the surface, soothes the nervous system and increases ex- 
pectoration It relieves the heart and brain from the 
pressure due to congestion by promoting and outward cir- 
culation and securing of an abundantwarm perspiration, 
in ague, congestive chills and billious fever it sustains the 
circulation, relieves restlessness and headache. In the 
treatment of eruptive diseases it is valuable in assisting in 
bringing out the eruption. It is also useful in typhoid 
fever, pneumonia, bronchitis and pleuritis. Its being 
antispasmodic renders it useful in hysteria, dysuienorrhoea 
and in tardy parturition. Cold preparations give a warm- 
ing feeling in the stomach, promote appetite,, influence 



310 JSTTPATORIUM. 

the salivary flow and materially increase the renal flow. 
Combined with eupatorium purpureum it is a valuable 
diuretic. The stimulancy possessed by this agent makes 
it adapted to languid conditions of the mucous membrane. 

EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM. 

Boneset. 

This herb in bloom is positively relaxing to the mucous 
membrane throughout, slightly stimulating, toning and 
antispasmodic. It is best when it first blooms. It is slow 
in its action but almost certain to relieve the liver. It is 
a favorite remedy for the prevention of fever. In large 
doses it is gently cathartic and gently tones the bowels 
throughout. 

Boil the herb down to a solid extract, and this makes an 
excellent pill for indigestion. Night sweats yieid to this 
better than to almost anything else even in phthisis. The 
relaxing properties are to some extent dissipated by the 
heat and the stimulancy, antispasmodic and tonic proper- 
ties are left. I have frequently stopped night sweats in 
three or four days and in some cases in less time. And 
they are not likely to return. Give a pill from 1 to 3 hours. 
For chronic ague it cannot be excelled, but it is good for 
all fevers. Other medicines may be incorporated into this 
extract if needed when it is being formed into pills. 

Eupatorin moderately represents this agent and the 
fluid extract is good also. 

Whenever needed a large injection of this agent in in- 
fusion may be used to cleanse the bowel. It does well. 
In hot infusion in large doses it is nause-ating and may be 
emetic. Small doses continued at short intervals prove 
diaphoretic. 

I have no doubt that the persistent use of this agent has 
prevented many a case of typhoid and of remitting fevers, 
and if not entirely prevented, it has made them very much 
lighter than they would otherwise have been. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following for enteric 
fever: 

Elix. Eupatorium Perfol. 
Jeffersonia Diph. 
;i Xanthoxylum Frax. 
" Helonias aa. oz. i 

M. S. One teaspodnful in as much sweetened water 
every hour or two according to the conditions present. 









ETTPATOBIUM. 311 

In hot infusion it is good for a cold especially when the 
tongue is foul and the liver torpid. 

Eupatorium promotes the secretion of bile by the liver 
also its excretion by the gall cyst. This makes it valuable 
in many liver complaints, especially in general biliousness. 

In habitual constipation it is best when incorporated 
with more or less of syr. juglans cinerea as required. 

In skin diseases of hepatic origin it is of much impor- 
tance if persisted in. 

Eupatorium Perfol. 5 

Zingiber Off. 1 

gives a preparation for infusion far more diffusive and bet- 
ter in some cases of considerable torpor. 
F. E. Eupatorium Perfol. oz. i 
Syr. Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 

may be used for the same purpose. 

As a rule this agent is not best when the bowels are too 
free, except when such is the result of torpor of the liver. 
In such cases the last mentioned lormula will be prefer- 
able. 

This agent is also valuable in some forms of jaundice, 
both acute and chronic. 

F. E. Eupatorium Perf. oz. i 

11 Zingiber gtta x 

Syr. Juglans Cin. q. s. oz. iv 

This is a reliable preparation for persistent constipa- 
tion. It is rather pleasant and may be continued as long 
as needed. 

The fluid extract may be added to cough syrups when a 
more free expectoration is needed. In colds, bronchitis 
and pneumonia, especially if the patient be inclined to 
biliousness and constipation, a large injection may be 
given to free the lower bowels. Then give hot infusion 
per oram till free emesis takes place. Relaxation of the 
mucous membrane generally will follow with good results. 
Subsequently smaller doses may be continued and the 
mucous membrane will become toned thereby. The pro- 
ducing of a free outward circulation relieves the hyper- 
ami ic condition. 

If used in the eruptive fevers more stimulation is neces- 
sary. Eupatorium perfoliatum is valuable in the treat- 
ment of rheumatism especially of the gouty and bilious 
classes. In the former it cleanses and tones the gastric 



312 JSTJPATOHIDM. 

membrane and in the latter it relieves the liver and gall- 
cyst. 

When you have an irritable condition of the stomach 
and nervous system with biliousness and constipation, 
small enemas of this agent may be used with much profit 
to the stomach and nerves. In whatever manner this 
agent is given it influences an outward circulation, soothes 
the mucous membrane and relieves nervous irritation. 

Dr. F. Gr. Hoener recommends the following for cerebro- 
spinal meningitis: • 

Elix. Eupatorium Perfol. oz. iii 

" Verbena Urtic. oz. iss 

" Cypripedium 
" Cimicifuga Rac. 
" Leptandra Virg. aa. oz. i 
" Xanthoxylum Frax. oz. ss 
M. S. One dessertspoonful every two hours. Give a hot 
sponge bath, and if the bowels are constipated use ene* 
mata. 

The Doctor also says, In the last epidemic (1891) of la 
grippe, influenza, catarrhal fever or epidemic catarrh as 
you please to call it, I cured over seven hundred cases with 
the use of the following prescription: 
Elix. Eupatorium Perfol. 
" Eupatorium Alternif. aa. oz. iiss 
" Agrimonia Eup. 
" Verbena Hast, 
or " Betonica Lane. 

" Leptandra Virg. oz. i 

M. S. One dessert or tablespoonful every two or three 
hours according to the case. I did not lose a case by heart 
failure as others claimed in their practice with the use of 
their agents. 

EUPATORIUM PURPUREUM. 
Queen of the Meadow. 

The root is a relaxing and very mildly stimulating diu- 
retic. It chiefly influences the urinary and genital organs. 
It relaxes, gently stimulates and tones the pelvic viscera 
and influences the sympathetic nervous system. In the 
suppression of the menses it is splendid and always safe. 
It needs to be given in large quantities, but always leaves 
atoned condition. It is valuable in uterine and vaginal 
irritation. It is very soothing to the kidneys and gently 



EUPHRASIA. 313 

toning by the relief of irritation and increasing the flow 
of urine. In these respects it is one of the most reliable 
agents. It tones the urinary mucous membrane and en- 
ables by the process of relaxation and some stimulation to 
cast off sediments that may have accumulated upon its • 
surface. Thus it is that after taking some large doses of 
this agent that the urine will be found full of deposit of 
one kind or of another. 

In typhoid fever it needs to be combined with more 
stimulating agents, as juniper or barosma. 

When needed it is an excellent addition to alterative 
compounds. In spermatorrhoea, irritable prostatic trou- 
bles, painful or scalding micturition, gonorrhoea, urethral 
irritation, aching back, and general pelvic weakness it is 
one of the best agents. It may be thoroughly relied upon. 

Eupatorium Purpur. 3 

Epigaea Rep. 2 

Mitchella liep. 1 

This makes a good compound for such pelvic troubles. 
With helonias or aletris it is excellent in barrenness. 
These three agents are among the most powerful in that 
direction. They positively tone the uterus and ovaries, 
and neither of them should be used much by ladies who 
are given to frequent conceptions. 

EUPHORBIA HETERODOXA. 
Alveloz. 

The milk juice of this plant applied in cancroid ulcera- 
tion promptly destroys the affected tissues layer by layer. 
It produces profuse suppuration and some degree of irrita- 
tion and dermatitis with but little pain. It acts as an 
irritant and escharotic and results in the destruction of 
morbid tissue, which is replaced by healthy granulation. 
It is of importance in cancroid and syphilitic ulcers, lupus 
of the nose, epithelioma of the lip, ulcerated epithelioma 
of the nose, malignant ulceration of the os uteri. In cases 
that have become thoroughly constitutional there is no 
cure, but this agent will even then make life somewhat 
more endurable. 

EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS. 
Eye-bright. 

The letives are a mild, stimulating, astringent tonic, 
influencing chiefly the mucous membrane, and useful 



H14 FAGTJS 

wherever there is too free discharge, whether it be of the 
bladder, urethra, bowels, or bronchi. In cholera infantum 
when there is an excessive greenish mucous discharge, in 
leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea, cystic catarrh, and catarrhal oph- 
thalmia this agent may be used with profit. 

In cases of congestions and inflammations of the eyes, 
especially of any torpid grade, it is valuable as an eye- 
wash. 

In nasal catarrh when the discharge is too free it may 
be used with the douche or atomizer and is a good cleans- 
ing remedy. It is an astringent but is not drying and 
hence is more toning to the membrane. 

FABIANA IMBRICATA. 
Pichi. South America. 

The leaves of this plant are a relaxing and stimulating 
tonic diuretic. 

I have never used this but in one case of cystic conges- 
tion and then with excellent results. The case was one of 
much severity. The local spasms were terrible. I had 
usually relieved such by the use of eucalyptus, but this 
was in the night and I had no eucalyptus. I had an ounce 
of fabiana and believed here was a case for a fair trial. 1 
used it in small doses every five or ten minutes. It was 
uot long till the patient quieted down, and began to pass 
urine in small quantities and was soon relieved of both 
the pain and the congestion. 

I administered the F. E. of the age? it in some hot infu- 
sion of zingiber. I have no doubt it is also valuable in 
cystic catarrh. It is^oothing and cleansing to the urinary 
mucous membrane. 

FAGUS FERRUGINA. 
Beech. 

The leaves are a relaxing, demulcent, slightly stimu- 
lating and toning diuretic. They influence the mucous 
membrane and especially that of the kidneys. They are 
useful in cystic catarrh, cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, 
scalding urine. It relaxes, soothes, gently stimulates and 
gently increases the quantity of urine. 

A hot fomentation of this agent is valuable to be used 
over the bowels, lungs, stomach or bladder in cases o^in- 



FERULA. Mia 

flammation and also to be applied over painful swellings. 
Dr. F. G. Hoener says 

Fagus Ferrugina Cort. 

Rhus Glabra Bac. aa. in equal parts 
is a good recipe for diabetes. 

FERULA FCETIDA. 
Asafcebida. 

The roots yield a thick, milky juice of a peculiar foetid 
odor. When d n ied this gum-resin is a penetrating diffu- 
sive, stimulating and relaxing, antispasmodic nervine. 

It is best given in pills or capsules, but nothing will dis- 
guise it fully. 

Though a nervine, its influence is extended to the circu- 
lation and to the mucous membrane. 

It is an excellent antispasmodic and it is a pity that its 
odor cannot be disguised so that it can be administered in 
some unobjectionable form. In nervous irritability, in 
hysteria, in hypochondria, in convulsions, in meningitis, 
in double vision, in spermatorrhoea, in restlessness, in 
insomnia and in dysmenorrhoea it is one of our very useful 
agents. 

For colds it is a good remedy, and in bronchial troubles 
it is a good expectorant. It is a good remedy to be used 
for nervous females with scanty or tardy menstruation. It 
gradually increases the flow. 

It may be dissolved and used per enema and thus influ- 
ence the bowels and the pelvic nerves. If it be retained 
its influence will extend through the entire system. Give 
it in the evening and allow it to remain all night. By 
morning the nerves will be thoroughly quieted. This is 
an excellent way to treat the hysterical and those habitu- 
ally nervous. The whole system will thus slowly feel its 
effects and be calmed and toned thereby. Triturate one- 
half to one dram in four ounces of tepid water for enemata. 

Even the odor is soothing and stimulating to the nervous 
system. These little asafoetida and camphor bags that 
many times we find put on children's necks and hung next 
to their bodies, though we smile at it, I have no doubt 
they have a soothing and stimulating effect on those wear- 
ing them, especially so if it be hung over the child's stom- 
ach in a thin cloth. 

Even though the odor is unpleasant it is not so unpleas- 
ant to the stomach. In fact though some ladies become 



31t) FERRUM. 

nettled because it is prescribed for them, many others 
soon become accustomed to it and do not dislike it. It 
may be administered in some wine one-half ounce to eight 
ounces and triturated thoroughly. 

A syrup may be formed by thoroughly triturating one 
ounce of the gum in boiling water and then adding two 
pounds of sugar, and enough water to fill one pint. 

Asafoetida oz. i 

Valerian dr. ii 

Capsicum grs. x 

This is a good antispasmodic and may be made into pill 
form or used in the form of syrup. It will be found useful 
in congestion of the brain, inflammation of the brain, 
meningitis and the double vision at times incident there- 
to. It is a superior remedy in such cases. 

FERULA SUMBUL. 
Mush root. Central and Northeastern Asia. 

The root has a strong, pleasant, musky odor. It has a 
faintly sweetish taste which soon becomes a slightly bit- 
terish aromatic. It is a rather positive stimulating and 
relaxing antispasmodic. It arrests spasms and relieves 
and tones the muscles. 
Ferula Sumbul 
Piper Meth. 

Rhamus Pursh. aa. equal parts. 
This is rather effective in the treatment of epilepsy 
and hysteria. 

Sumbul hardens the muscular fibres of the arteries and 
stimulates and soothes the blood current. 

With lobelia it is valuable in the treatment of asthma, 
and with aralia rac. it will be found useful in bronchitis. 
This agent will also be found useful in gastralgia, ente- 
ralgia, and dysmenorrhea. 

FERRUM. 
Iron. 

Some preparations of iron are harmless, some are not so 
harmless and some are very injurious. 

Chalybeate waters are chiefly valued because of the iron 
and sulphur ingredients they contain. These waters 
largely influence the kidneys and tend to cleanse both the 
urinary and the intestinal tracts, and leave these parts 
more or less toned. 



FERRUM. 317 

The chief value of sanative iron preparations is that 
they are stimulating to intestinal digestion. Some of 
them more than others, some of them influencing in one 
way and some in another. 

Beware of compounding the iron preparations with veg- 
etable astringents. Such will give you inky results. 

Detannated prunus may be combined with iron. 

All the iron preparations are used for one or other grade 
of gastric or intestinal indigestion, and the accompanying 
anaemia. 

Ferri et Potassce Tartras is soluble in water and is 
laxative to the bowels, usually coloring dark the stools. It 
is an excellent preparation for anaemia and intestinal indi- 
gestion, especially when there is a tendency to constipa- 
tion. 

Ferri et Pot. Tart. grs. x 

Hydra st ia Sulp. gr. i 

F. E. Zingiber gtta iii 

Aqua q. s. oz. iv 

Sig. Teaspoonful before meals, between meals and 
before retiring. 

Ferri et Potassce Citras is more soluble in water than 
the above but may be used for the same purposes. The 
slight acidulation in this preparation may be more suit- 
able to some stomachs. Either of these preparations 
makes a good tonic for depressed conditions. 

Ferri Carbonas Prceclpitcms is a stimulating astrin- 
gent useful in more or less debilitated conditions compli- 
cated with dysentery or diarrhoea in either acute or 
chronic form. It is useful in gastric and intestinal dys- 
pepsia, cholera infantum, chronic dysentery and chronic 
diarrhoea. 

Precip. Carb. Ferri dr. ss 

Tr. Kino oz. iv 

F. E. Zingiber gtta. v 

Comp. Syr. Rhei et Pot. q. s. oz. viii 

This is an excellent compound for the conditions above 
named. 

Ferri Carbonas Saccharatus is a grayish brown prepa- 
ration which may be used in two to four grain capsules 
three times a day for the same purposes as the last men- 
tioned. 

Ferri Pulvls is a gray powder, one of the best of the 
powdered forms. It may be given one to two grains with 



318 FERRUM. 

each meal. This is also denominated hydrogen iron. It 
is quite stimulating and is best for debilitated conditions. 

Ferri Oocidum Hydratum is frequently used as an an- 
tidote in cases of arsenic poisoning. 

MunseVs Solution of Iron (Perchloride of Iron) is a 
fluid preparation of iron of the strongest styptic powers 
for the arrest of hemorrhages. 

Thiana is a good preparation of ferrum manufactured 
by the Yale Chemiral Co., Atlanta, Ga., and for sale by 
C. T. Bedford of Indianapolis, Indiana. 
Thiana 3 

Hydrastia Sulph. 1 

Given in capsules is a good aid in the treatment of in- 
digestion, coiic pains, diarrhoea, flatulence, and insomnia. 

Dlalyzed Iron is the result of dialysis. A \essel con- 
taining the required salts of iron is closed by a membrane 
of parchment and placed in a vessel of distilled water with 
the orifice downward. Part of the liquid in the upturned 
vessel passes through the membrane and mingles with the 
distilled water. The separation will be complete. The 
acids will be transmitted to the water and leave the oxide 
of iron in the dialyzer. In this way dialyzed iron is ob- 
tained. It is very soluble in water devoid of styptic prop- 
erties, almost tasteless and readily made into a syrup. 

Chloro-Ferrine is made by McCoy, Howe Co., Indiauap- 
olis, Ind., for the treatment of diphtheria and acute dis- 
eases of the throat. It is a combination of chlorine, ferric 
iron, chlorates, etc., in conjunction with an agreeable 
menstruum, valuable for diphtheria, follicular tonsilitis, 
thrush, ulceration of the mouth or tonsils, syphilitic ulcer- 
ation, chronic pharyngitis, enlargement of the tonsils and 
ordinary sore throat. 

It is used internally, locally or both as conditions indi- 
cate. It is best undiluted. The dose for an adult inter- 
nally is one teaspoonful every three or four hours. In 
diphtheria the parts should also be frequently atomized, 
or the patient may swallow some after each local treat- 
ment. 

FGENICULUM CAPILLACEUM. 
Fennel Seed. Europe. 

The seed are a relaxing and stimulating, aromatic, diffu- 
sive carminative. They are chiefly used as a vehicle for 
the administering of bitter tonic< and cathartics. 



FHASEKA. 319 

The oil may be used for the same general purposes. 

Foeniculum Cap. 1 

Sweet Orange Peel £ 

Carbonate Magnesia 3 

Sugar 2 
Triturate thoroughly and give In hot water to increase 
the lacteal fluid. 

Foeniculum Cap. 1 

Parsley Root * 

Licorice root £ 

Carbonate Magnesia 3 

Sugar 2 
This is another formula used for the same purpose. 

FRAG ARIA VESCA. 
Strawberry. 

The leaves are a pleasant, mild, astringent tonic to the 
mucous membrane. In diarrhoea and dysentery it is sooth- 
ing, toning and strengthening but not drying. It is an 
excellent remedy for children's diarrhoea and intestinal 
debility. If given in hot infusion they influence the cir- 
culation toward the surface and soothe and quiet the 
nerves. 

The berries are a pleasant vegetable acid for convales- 
cence when an acid is proper. An excellent syrup is made 
by expressing a pint of juice and adding a pound of granu- 
lated sugar. This may be used as an acid vehicle in bitter 
medicines and the juice unsweetened makes a nice acidu- 
lated drink in convalescence from fevers. The berry itself 
is nut admissible until seeded. 

FRASERA CAROLIXENSIS. 

American, Coluni bo. 

The root is a reliable mild, stimulating and slightly 
astringent tonic. It is moderately bitter but not unpleas- 
antly so. Its chief influence is expended upon the alvine 
mucous membrane as a tonic. Its best use is for that class 
of persons who have a weak digestion and are more or less 
subject to an extra freeness of the bowels. It is an excel- 
lent tonic in typhoid fever and hastens convalescence, but 
other agents had better be used when there is a tendency 
to constipation. If diarrhoea be troublesome throughout 
the course of typhoid, frasera will give good results. 

In gastric ulceration this agent will usually be well 



320 FRAXINUS. 

received. In gastric catarrh you will find frasera one of 
your most valuable and most reliable agents. 
It improves the appetite and assists digestion. 
In combination with uterine and vaginal tonics it ex- 
tends its influence in that direction and becomes a very 
excellent addition in cases of uterine and vaginal ulcera- 
tion, prolapsus uteri and vaginal weakness. 

This agent may be used with excellent effect with chil- 
dren having a weak digestion and a chronic diarrhoea. 
It is also a good wash for aphthous sore mouth. 
An infusion forms an excellent vaginal wash for a weak 
vagina, prolapsus uteri and leucorrhoea. The fluid extract 
of this agent may be used for ail the purposes of the agent. 
Frasera Car. 
Leonurus Card. 
Anthemis Nob. 

Cypripedium Pub. aa. 4 

Citrus Auran. Cort. 1 

This forms an agreeable nervine tonic forchlorotic ladies. 
Frasera Car. 4 

Aletris 3 

Hydra&tis Can. 

Citrus Auran Cort. aa. 1 

This forms an excellent tonic for weakly ladies with a 
tendency to miscarriage, and for those having a poor diges- 
tion, a degenerate leucorrhoea, general pelvic weakness 
and more or less menorrhagia: 

FRAXINUS AMERICANA. 
White Ash. 

The bark of the root and the inner bark of the trunk 
yields a mild, persistent, stimulating tonic alterant influ- 
encing chiefly the digestive apparata. The mucous mem- 
brane and secernents all feel its effects. It influences the 
liver both in the secretion of bile and in its excretion from 
the gall cyst It also influences the peristaltic action of 
the bowels in defecation. It increases the flow of urine 
and cleanses and bones the urinary tract. 

In chronic jaundice and chronic biliousness, chronic 
hepatic congestions and general hepatic torpor and skin 
eruptions arising therefrom, 

With diuretics and hepatics it is valuable in dropsy. It 
is a slow, steady, cleansing and toning agent to the whole 
system. Its steady, persistent toning influence makes 



TRAXINUS. 321 

this agent very valuable in its influence on the kidneys. 
The nervous system also feels its influence and it is of 
much importance in the treatment of insanity. It depu- 
rates the whole system and tones and strengthens the 
nerves, sympathetic, cerebral and spinal. In hysteria, 
hypochondria, cholaemia and uraemia there are but few 
medicines that will do better work. 

Fraxinus Am. <> 

Aralia His. 3 

Gentiana Lut. 2 

Taraxacum D. L. -1 

Xanthoxylum Frax. Cort 1 

This forms a preparation excellent in chronic bilious- 
ness, jaundice, habitual constipation, hypochondria, anae- 
mia, chlorosis, insanity. 

It forms a good addition to cough syrups for chronic 
coughs when there are bilious conditions to be met, 

FRAXINUS SAMBUCIFOLIA. 
Black Ash. 

This bark is about the same as the americana and may 
be used for the same general purposes. It is said by some 
to have a slight degree of astringency. 
Fraxinus Sam. Cort. Ashes 2 
Acacia Vera 

Valeriana Off. aa. 1 

Make into pills to be used night and morning for sleep- 
lessness. 

An infusion is said to be good for the expelling of pin 
worms. 

FRAXINUS ORNUS. 
Flowering Ash, Manna Tree. 

This tree yields a light yellowish, sweetish exudation 
from its stems. When treated with alcohol it is white, 
sweet, odorless and soluble in hot water. 

The manna is a mild laxative, one of the most pleasant 
agents to be used for the relief of constipation, especially 
of children. For adults it is best used as a vehicle for 
some bitter remedy. 

When an infant which nurses the bottle is chronically 
constipated, manna may be dissolved and added to the 
milk. 



322 » GALIUM. 

FUCUS VESICULOSUS. 
Bladder- wrack- 

This plant has a reputation as an ant if at, claiming- that 
it diminishes the fat without in any respect injuring the 
health. It influences the mucous membrane, the serous 
membrane and the lymphatics. It is a gently stim- 
ulating and toning alterant. It is one of those slow, per- 
sistent agents that require time to accomplish the desired 
results. It is stimulating to the absorbents and especially 
influences the fatty globules. Its best action is observed 
in individuals having a cold, torpid, clammy skin and 
loose flabby rolls of fat. It is an agent that gives better 
results in cases of morbid obesity than in those cases of a 
healthy character. When using it as an antifat it is best 
to exclude farinaceous foods and beer and prescribe an 
active life. It is best to begin with small doses and grad- 
ually increase to larger doses. Soon the urine becomes 
more abundant and the stomach is invigorated by its use. 

By its influence on the serous membrane it is valuable 
in cases of gout, rheumatism and dropsy especially for 
those of plethoric habit. 

It may be used in form of pill, fluid extract or infusion. 

This agent seems to influence the starches and prevents 
their being formed into fats. 

Where there is a tendency to constipation in eases of 
obesity the following will be found best adapted: ' 
Fueus Ves. 
Juniperus Fructu. 
Juglans Cin. aa. in equal parts in infusion. 

UALBANUM OFFICINALE. 
Ga Ibatbum . Pers i a . 

The gum has a disagreeable, foetid odor, an acrid, pun- 
gent and unpleasant taste. It may be dissolved by tritu- 
ration in water or vinegar, it much resembles asafoetida. 
Its use is almost entirely superceded by that agent. 

GALIUM APARINE. 

Cleavers. 

This herb is a soothing, relaxing, diffusive diuretic It 
materially increases the urine and relieves irritation. It 
is # valuable in scalding urine, and irritable bladder and 
urethra: in the inflammatory stage of gonorrhoea it re- 



GARCINIA. 323 

lieves the irritation and soothes the nervous system. 
In hot infusion this is a diaphoretic and may be used to 
good advantage in fevers where there is a necessity to 
favor a good free outward circulation and it relieves the 
nervous system. An inspissated juice of the fresh herb is 
a valuable agent in acute gonorrhoea given every 3 hours. 

GALIUM VERUM. 
Yellow Ladies 7 Bed-straw. Europe. 

The flowers have an agreeable odor, and are antispas- 
modic. They are useful in nervous affections. 

The herb is inodorous and a mild, bitGer, stimulating 
astringent, influencing the mucous membrane and the 
nervous system. The bruised plant has been used to color 
cheese yellow. The roots dye red. 

It is a valuable tonic in dyspepsia, and is an emmena- 
gogue of some importance. For this last named purpose 
it is best used in hot infusion, when it is also valuable for 
dysmenorrhosa. 

GARCINIA MANGOS I ANA. 
Mangosteert. Ind in, Malay. 

This is a very handsome tree growing from twenty to 
thirty feet high. It has beautiful dark green foliage. It 
bears a finely flavored and most palatable fruit about the 
size of an apple. Near the equat >r it, fruits twice a year. 

The bn,rk is a stimulating, antiseptic, astringent tonic 
to the mucous membrane, but does not seem to produce 
constipation. It can be used as a valuable aid in acute 
inflammation, typhoid fever, cholera infantum and diar- 
rhoea. 

In cases of uterine inflammation, and ulceration of the 
cervix, paint the cervix with the full strength of the fluid 
extract, or make an infusion to be used by injection. This 
will overcome very obstinate cases. 

It lessens catamenial pain, cures leucorrhoea and dimin- 
ishes the menstrual flow. 

In nasal catarrh spray the mucous surfaces thoroughly. 
It will be very beneficial in the more moist forms. 

It may be employed in the treatment of hemorrhages 
from either uterus, bowels, or luugs. and it also lesseus 
muco-purulent discharges from either of these sources. 

In light forms of diphtheria the fluid extract in full 
strength may be sprayed into the throat, or it may be di- 



324 GAULTHEKIA. 

luted as required for inflamed or irritated conditious of 
the pharynx. 

It forms a good antiseptic wash for ulcers. It cleanses 
and tones the surface. It will also give good results in 
dermatisis. 

The leaves find flowers form a good wash for sore gums 
and sore mouth. 

F. E. Garcinia Mang. 1 

Aqua 5 to 10 

M. S. One teaspoonful every one to three hours. 

In small doses this is easily taken and causes no gastric 
disturbance. Its action is rapid and positive. In cases of 
uterine hemorrhage, whether from threatened or actual 
miscarriage, from the presence of uterine tumors or during 
the menopause, this may be considered a specific. 

Jt is also very valuable in the treatment of dysentery 
and diarrhoea, acute or chronic, and especially where there 
is indigestion and more or less debility. 

GARRY A FREMONTII. 
California Fever Bush. California. 

This is an ornamental evergreen shrub growing from 
live to ten feet high. The leaves excite a profuse saliva, 
give a sense of gastric and intestinal warmth and impart 
a persistent bitter taste closely resembling that of cin- 
chona. 

It is a gently stimulating tonic and antiperiodic. 

It stimulates the circulation and especially so when 
used in hot infusion. In large doses it creates a cerebral 
fullness and tinnitus auriam somewhat similar to those 
symptoms when induced by quinine. It leaves no other 
unpleasant after-effects. 

In dysentery and diarrhoea where these conditions show 
some signs of malaria this agent will give good results. 

In hot infusion it will abort many a case of malarial 
fever, and cases of chronic ague soon yield to it. 

G A ULTI-IERI A PROCUMBENS. 

Winter green . 

The le4ives and the oil therefrom area very diffusive, 
relaxing and stimulating diuretic, carminative and anti- 
septic. It will relieve flatulence, colic, and assist digestion 
and diuresis. 






GAULTHERIA. 325 

This agent is chiefly used as a vehicle for alteratives 
and other compounds. Its taste and odor are both usually 
agreeable to patients. 



Ol. Gaultheria 




" Sassafras 


aa. oz. i 


" Eucalyptus 




" Lavender 


aa. oz. ss 


Thymol 


dr. i 


Carb. Magnesia 


oz. ii 



Mix the oils, add the thymol, shake the preparation to 
dissolve. Pulverize the magnesia and add the oils by 
thorough trituration. Then take 

Alcohol oz.xvi 

Aqua oz. xLviii 

Sodium Salicylate dr. iii 

Shake these last till dissolved and add the former ingre- 
dients as above combined. 

This is an excellent formula for the making of listen ne. 
It is an antiseptic wash for wounds, abscesses, and for the 
maintenance of surgical cleanliness. 

In chronic conjunctivitis evert the lids and paint the 
conjunctival surfaces with pure listen ne or diluted as the 
case may require. 

There are many formula? for the making of listerine. 
One combines thymus, eucalyptus, baptisia, gaultheria. 
mentha arvensis and benzo-boracic acid. Another formula 
combines Hydrastis, Phytolacca, salicylic acid, boracic 
acid, mentha arvensis, thymus and hamamelis. 

The Lambert Pharmaceutical Co., of St. Louis, have 
gained a national reputation from the value of their 

LAMBERT'S LISTERINE 

Is a non-toxic, non-irritating and non- escharotic antisep- 
tic, composed of ozoniferous essences, vegetable antiseptics 
and benzo-boracic acid; sufficiently powerful tomakesurgic 
ally clean— aseptic— all parts of the human body. 

Listerine at 60 degs. Farhenheit is a clear amber-color 
liquid, but as the temperature is reduced it becomes opaque; 
this characteristic of Listerine is caused by the partial con- 
gelation of its essential constituents; its brilliancy is re- 
sumed at 60 degrees. It is of a slightly acid reaction, a 
powerful, fragrant aromatic odor and pungent taste, both 



329 GAUI/THEKIA. 

of which are agreeable: its specific gravity is lighter thaD 
water, with which it mixes in any proportion without pre- 
cipitation or separation of its constituents; this genial com- 
patibility extends to most of the standard remedies of the 
Materia Medica. The boracic acid constituent is beauti- 
fully exhibited in the atom i/at ion of Listeriue. 

Listerine is a most powerful non-toxic antiseptic; it pos- 
sesses quali ties that are more pronounced in preventing fer- 
mentation than in destroying the prod nets thereof, its germ- 
icidal value equaling but & five per cent, solution of carbolic 
acid, although its non-toxic effect, enabling its continued 
administration or application, renders it of extremely great- 
er yalue than any dilution o! the corrosive and poisonous 
agents for the destruction of micro-organisms. 

Asadressing for wounds, whether accidental or operative, 
and later in the suppurative stage. Listerine in various de- 
grees of dilution proves thoroughly trustworthy: for treat- 
ing catarrhal conditions of every locality, Listerine 
has proven peculiarly acceptable because of its non-poison- 
ous effect, its efficacy as an alterative-antiseptic, and for its 
detergent, antiphlogistic properties, as weil as for the 
cooling and refreshing effect which its use imparts to the 
tissues. 

Listerine is well adapted for use. in the throat or nasal 
cavities, especially by atomizing or spraying, and for puru- 
lent otitis, it is probably unrivaled. 

Applied to ulcerous or mucous patches, and in contag- 
ious catarrhal affections, Listerine alone or as an adjuvant 
is a boon to the afflicted because of its freedom from, and 
power to disguise, objectionable odors. 

Listerine is valuable in skin diseases, as urticaria, eczema, 
pruritus; in eruptive fevers, etc.. and in cases where the 
skin is excoriated or effected with vesicles, pustules or crusts 

Internally, in certain forms of fermentative dyspepsia, 
Listerine— a true antiferment- -is very valuable, and equal- 
ly so in summer diarrhoeas of infants and children. 

In typhoid fever Listerine is extensively prescribed, a- 
greeably diluted, both for its antiseptic effect and to im- 
prove the condition of the stomach for the reception of 
nourishment. Lirterine by inhalation and by internal ad- 
ministration is a valued means of attaining antiseptic in- 
fluence in the treatment of phthisis, not only in the later 
stages during the production and absorption of pus, but 
also in the earlier process of infection. 



GENTIAN A. .527 

GENTIANA LUTEA. 
Gentian. Europe. 

The root is an intense and permanent bitter, stimula- 
lating tonic. Though intensely bitter, when given in 
small doses it is usually well received by the stomach, and 
it promotes appetite and digestion, stimulates the circula- 
tion, thoroughly tones the digestive organs, and is espe- 
cially valuable in languid conditions and in that of general 
debility. It is one of the most serviceable of tonics, influ- 
encing the secernents as well as the mucous membrane. 
Its action on the liver is that of a cholagogue rather than 
to influence in the secreting of bile. It influences the 
portal circulation somewhat similar to Hydrastis. It gives 
good service in biliousness and jaundice. Its tonic pow- 
ers make it also a good vermifuge, and enable it to slowly 
promote peristaltic action. It is also somewhat antiperi- 
odic. 

The sensitive stomach will receive it only in minute 
doses without producing a persistent nausea. 

In general use it is best combined with milder agents. 

Gentiana Lut. 1 

Orange Peel 

Coriander Seed aa. 2 

This in infusion forms a good, stimulating and pleasant 
tonic. 



V. E. Gentiana Lut. 


4 


'• Citrus Aur. Cort. 


1 


• 4 Cardamon Sem. 


1 


his is also a good tonic. 




Gentiana Lut. 


4 


Cinchona Call. 


8 


Citrus Vulg. Cort. 


2 


Canella Alba 


] 



This forms a valuable tonic for languid conditions. 

F. E. Gentiana Lut. dr. i 

Syr. Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 

This is an excellent tonic for a weak stomach and a poor 
digestion, taken just before meals. 

GENTIANA OCHROLEUCA. 

American Gentian. 

The root of this agent possesses somewhat similar prop- 
erties to those of the European variety, but is usually 



328 GERANIUM. 

better received by the stomach. It is a positive, bitter, 
stimulating tonic. It influences the gastric and intestinal 
mucous membrane and the liver and gall cyst. As a gen- 
eral tonic, especially if combined with alterants, it exerts 
a good influence upon the glandular system. Where there 
is a poor appetite, a weakened digestion and hepatic debil- 
ity or jaundice and biliousness, its tonic power is quite 
valuable. In very debilitated forms of dropsy but few 
tonics can be used to better advantage and it is one of the 
most valuable agents to be added to alterant compounds. 
F, E. Gentiana Och. dr. i 

' ; Euonymous Atr. dr. ii 

Eupatorium Perf. dr. iv 

Syr. Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good hepatic tonic for agues. 
F\ E. Gentiana Och. dr. i 

Capsicum gr. i 

Comp. Syr. Rhei et Pot. oz. i 

This will break a chill. 

Gentian, salicine and capsicum will do the same thing. 
F. E. Gentiana Och. dr. ii 

Citrus Yulg. 

Coriandrum Sat. aa. grs. xxx 

This made into a syrup is a pleasant tonic. 
McCoy, Howe Co., Indianapolis, Ind., make a prepara- 
tion of which each fluid dram represents, . 
Gentian 

Wahoo aa. grs. ii 

Tr. Iron Chloride gtta. v 

Dr. N. D. Woodward uses this and speaks liig-hly of its 
efficiency and palatableness, its permanence and its elegant 
appearance. 

GERANIUM MACTJLATUM. 

Cranesbill. 

The root is a pleasant, positive, tonic astringent. It is 
only moderately drying, but is persistent and effective. 
It is one of our most excellent astringent agents. Its chief 
influence is expended upon the alvine mucous membrane 
throughout. It is applicable in the treatment of sore 
mouth or gums, mercurial salivation, spongy gums, ca- 
tarrhal ophthalmia, leucorrhcea, gleet, dysentery, diarrhoea. 

It is a good local and constitutional styptic for hemor- 
rhage from the nose, lungs, stomach, bowels, or uterus. 



GERMICIDES. 329 

The fluid extract is a good application to the uvula in case 

of elongation. Apply frequently. 
In typhoid fever in case of excessive discharges, whether 

fcecal or sanious, this agent is one of the most valuable. 

The addition of a little capsicum will at times be valuable- 
Diluted with water or combined with comp. syr. rhei et 

pot. this agent is one of the most valuable in the treat- 
ment of severe cases of cholera infantum. 
Geraniin represents this agent quite well, but is less 

stimulating and more astringent than the herb itself or 

its fluid extract. 

GERMS AND GERMICIDES. 
By Albert W. Kelley, A. M.. Ph. D., M. D., 

Professor of Bacteriology, Microscopy and Histology in Chicago Physio- 
Medical College. 

In no department of medicine has there been greater 
advancement than in aetiology. But this knowledge of 
the cause of disease is of comparatively recent origin; in 
fact, it is largely the work of the present generation. 

The vague notions and theories advanced by former phy- 
sicians ascribing all disease to impurity of the blood, 
epidemics, and discrasia of chemical composition, while 
not without some valid ground, were at best vague and 
unsatisfactory. 

With the advent of the microscope, which was invented 
about the latter part of the sixteenth century, was ush- 
ered in a new epoch in this department of medieine. Soon 
after the introduction of tfee microscope, minute organ- 
isms, which before were unknown, were 'found in decom- 
posing organic substances. Various conjectures and theo- 
ries were advanced as to the nature and office of these 
minute organisms. 

As early as 1645 Kircher suggested that diseases might be 
due to similar organisms: but owing to lack of facilities 
with which to prove his theory, but little, if any, attention 
was paid to his teaching. About 1710 Anthony Van Leu- 
wenhoeck, of Holland, had so improved his microscope that 
he was enabled to demonstrate the fact that large numbers 
of micro-organisms existed in normal saliva, in fsecal mat- 
ter and in vegetable infusions. He carried his observa- 
tions to that extent that he described and attempted to 
give a classification of some of the more marked varieties. 



330 GERMICIDES. 

But it remained for Mueller, of Copenhagen, to give us 
the first description and classification of bacteria that was 
in any degree correct. However, it was not until some 
years later that authentic evidence was obtained connect- 
ing germs with disease, when Davanes and Rayer dem- 
onstrated the presence of rod-shaped bacteria in the blood 
of animals suffering with splenic fever. However but 
little attention was paid to the discovery until Pasteur 
and others working along the same line published the 
results of their research, which went far to prove the etio- 
logical nature of micro-organisms. 

The researches of Robert Koch upon the history of the 
bacteria or bacilli of splenic fever have removed all doubts 
of their etiological signification. In 1883 Koch startled 
the medical world by the announcement that consumption 
was a germ disease and dependent upon the presence, in 
the affected tissues, of an organism which he named "bac- 
illus tuberculosis." 

This statement met with strong opposition, both among 
physicians and the laity; but Koch «o fortified his state- 
ments, both by experimental and clinical evidences, that 
it may now be regarded as fully demonstrated. Two years 
later(in 1885)Koch showed that Asiatic cholera is due to the 
presence of bacterial organisms — the "cnmma bacillus " 
Schutz and Loeffer discovered the bacillus of glanders in 
1882; Eberth the bacillus which is now generally accepted 
as the cause of typhoid fever, in 1880; Fehleisen the micro- 
coccus of erysipelas, in 1883; Neissen the micrococcus of 
gonorrhoea, in 1879. Obermeier announced the discovery 
of the spirillum of relapsing fever as early as 1868. In 1881 
Laveran discovered the micro-organisms of malaria — ma- 
laria Plasmodia. These minute organisms are found in 
the blood of persons suffering from malaria, and have 
lately been carefully observed, and according to concurrent 
testimony they do not belong to bacteria, being really of 
animal origin, among the protozoa. Pneumonia may also 
be included with the germ diseases, since the demonstra- 
tion of Sternberg, Nova and Frankel of the constant pres- 
ence of the micrococcus Pasteurii in the sputa in that 
disease. The careful observation and exhaustive experi- 
mental research made by those mentioned, as well as that 
of many others who have devoted years to the development 
of this department of science, have established the germ 
theory of disease upon a firm foundation. A large number 



GERMICIDES. 331 

Of diseases are undoubtedly of parasitic origin. Almost 
daily new facts are discovered which substantiate the 
germ theory of disease, and as far as the theory is applica- 
ble, it eliminates the factor of ''accident" from the con- 
sideration of aetiology, and disease is assigned a legitimate 
place in the curriculum of nature. 

According to the commonly accepted definition, disease 
is a disturbance of the normal and functional activities of 
some one or different parts of the organism; the reaction 
to an unaccustomed influence. According to the germ 
theory the foreign influence producing functional disturb- 
ance is, in many cases, due to the presence of foreign 
microscopic organisms in the interior of the body, and the 
number of diseases revealed by the germ theory is con- 
stants growing more numerous. 

Especially is this true of that class of diseases generally 
acknowledged to be contagious. By contagion we mean 
the transmission of disease from one individual to another, 
either by direct contact, or indirect, as through air, water, 
clothing, etc. 

No sharp distinction can be drawn between contagion 
and infection. Although various attempts have been 
made to do so, none of the propositions are beyond criti- 
cism. The two classes of disease seem to overlap each 
other, so that no real division occurs. 

Infectious disease depends upon a specific agent, as does 
the contagious; and there is valid ground for the belief 
that all contagious and infectious diseases depend upon 
some constant and specific element in each individual dis- 
ease; this agent in a great majority of cases remains 
unchanged. However there appears to be an occasional 
exception; thus the streptococcus pyogenes of Rosenbach 
and the streptococcus erysipelutis of Fehleisen, are to all 
appearance identical, and both are presumed to be the 
cause of puerper.U fever, erysipelas and suppuration. 
These apparent exceptions will probably disappear when a 
more definite knowledge of these particular organisms has 
been obtained. 

While no well defined distinction can be drawn between 
the germs of contagion and those of infection, experience 
goes to prove that certain germs whose habitat by nature 
or adaptation is in the human body, and the spores of 
which can pass from one person to another, where they 
develop and produce disease. 



332 GERMICIDES. 

Another class of germs, those of infection, differ from 
those of contagion in this, that they have one stage of 
development in the human body and another in some other 
media. Thus they cannot reproduce the disease until after 
they have passed through their second stage of develop- 
ment. This second stage may be in the soil, water or 
elsewhere. When they have passed through this secondary 
stage the spores are again ready for the production of dis- 
ease in man. 

In this way a whole section of country may become in- 
fected, and persons attacked by the disease who have not 
been exposed to the sick, or even near them. Such 
diseases as typhoid, cholera and yellow fever afford good 
examples of this cla>s of diseases. 

The theory of infection has not been satisfactorily dem- 
onstrated with each specific germ, but general experience 
affords adequate proof of the correctness of the theory. 
We find in the life history of several of the parasitic fungi 
producing disease in plants, an exact parallel. The com- 
mon puccinia gramitiis, producing the disease known as 
rust, which appears upon wheat and oats, affords a good 
example of this cycle of life. The spores found upon the 
growing grain do not again grow upon the wheat, but 
grow luxuriantly upon the leaves of certain netted-vernel 
leaved plants; and the spores formed upon these plants 
will grow upon wheat or oats, etc., where they produce the 
disease of rust and thus complete the cycle of life of the 
fungus. 

While the germ theory affords the best and most satis- 
factory explanation of such facts as are known about 
infection and contagion, it does not necessarily follow that 
it satisfactorily explains every occurrence in the dissem- 
ination of disease; and it is highly probable that future 
development will throw new light upon many of these 
much disputed questions. 

Experience has demonstrated that of the large number 
of distinctive species of bacteria, only a few species are 
known to be pathogenic: so while the earth, air and water 
everywhere may be filled with teeming myriads of the 
minute organisms, only a comparatively few kinds are 
known to take part in the production of diseases. 

The mere presence of bacteria is not, in itself, a suffi- 
cient cause of disease; but that there are certain kinds of 
bacteria that uniformly induce disease, when they are 



GERMICIDES. 333 

inoculated in or gain entrance to the body, is also well 
known, as well as the fact that certain poisons known as 
ptomains originate in connection with the disease-produc- 
ing germs. 

These poisons are the product of the micro-organisms, 
produced in connection by the functional activity of the 
organism in its process of digestion, growth and excretion. 
in the same way that alcohol is produced by yeast plant in 
its remoleculization of sugar. 

The ptomains produced by pathegenic germs have been 
separated from the germs, and when so separated produce 
the same effect, that of direct poisoning similar to that 
induced by the poisons from the higher plants. Different 
species of bacteria produce different poisons— poisons that 
produce different physiological effects upon the human 
body. The effects are constant for a given germ, thus 
furnishing the definite physiological characteristics where, 
by the germ may be identified. On the other hand we 
are thus enabled to diagnose the disease from the germ. 

It is now quite generally understood that disease is 
induced not so much by the mere presence of micro-organ- 
isms in the body as by their poisonous products, which are 
formed through changes wrought in the molecular forms 
of matter. 

Bacteria being organic bodies, must of necessity possess 
the same nutritive functions common to all living bodies, 
whether plant or animal; viz., digestion, absorption, assim- 
ilation, and the formation and excretion of waste products: 
these are necessary to the life and growth of the organism. 
The process of digestion in bacteria, as in other organ- 
isms, is accomplished through the agency of soluble fer- 
ments, which are elaborated by the organism. In the 
higher forms of plant and animal life the digestive fluids 
are produced by specialized cells and found in special 
organs. In animals it is in the stomach and intestinal 
tract, where it comes in contact with the food. In the 
lower forms of life, as in protozoa and protophyte, no 
specialized organs are found, parts of the simple cell doing 
the work of the stomach, while other parts of the same 
cell act in some other capacity at the same time. 

All digestive ferments are the direct products of the 
activity of cell life, whether this digestive fluid be found 
in the amoeba, monad, or in the peptic glands of the higher 
animals. The function of the ferments, primarily, is that 



334 GERMICIDES. 

of digestion, which consists quite largely in the rernolecu- 
lization of certain food substances and the formation of 
new compounds. 

In the simple celled plants this process is manifest to a 
most marked degree, and as all forms of life are supported 
by the continued absorption of new matter, the old mate- 
rial must be eliminated, which, in case of the micro-organ- 
isms is cast out into the surrounding media, from whence 
they obtain their supply of food, so that it is difficult to 
determine the exact source of some of the bacterial prod- 
ucts, whether they are products of digestion or elimina- 
tion. 

Excretions are classified into two groups: those that 
contain much oxygen, and compounds containing but a 
small amount. Thus, in animal excretions, carbon diox- 
ide, rich in oxygen; urea, poor in oxygen but rich in nitro- 
gen. In plants we find the same carbonic acid, and in 
addition, some free oxygen; and corresponding to urea, we 
find the alkaloids and organic acids, all poor in oxygen. 

All this goes to show the uniformity of plan in vital 
processes, whether manifest by the higher or lower forms 
ol life. The fact that all bacteria are not pathogenic 
shows conclusively that all do not produce the same pto- 
maines, either by the action of their soluble ferments or 
excretions. Nor is their presence in the body in any way 
detrimental to health; it is claimed that a large propor- 
tion of the non-pathogenic germs are absolutely essential 
to the well being of* all the higher forms of life, mankind 
included. While on the other hand the well-known deadly 
effects of pathogenic germs lead us to enquire how we can 
best destroy them, or, at least, avoid them. 

The development of bacteria, even under the most favor- 
able conditions, cannot continue indefinitely, bacteria can 
only grow as long as the favorable conditions continue. 
When the soil becomes exhausted their food supply is cut 
off. But starvation is not the only cause of their death, 
or in many instances bacteria die before the supply of 
food is exhausted. Death of the bacteria is brought about 
by the accumulation of bacterial products, poisonous to 
their producers. 

The vinous yeast plant affords a familiar example of the 
effects of the bacterial products. When the amount of 
alcohol reaches a certain per centage of the solution all 
fermentation ceases, although there may still be a large 



GERMICIDES. 335 

amount of sugar in the solution, the effect of the alcohol 
is to check further growth of the bacteria or to destroy 
them. In most spore producing plants resting spores are 
produced about the time that fermentation ceases. These 
resting spores retain their vitality for some considerable 
time so that the race does not die out for some time after- 
parent cells are dead. 

In a media in which bacteria have ceased to multiply it 
is impossible to rear a second colony of the same kind. 
The nutritive solution seems to possess immunity against 
a second injection. 

The cause of this phenomena has been made the subject 
of special study in the hope of throwing some light on the 
pathology of infectious diseases Many of this class of 
diseases due to the presence of micro-organisms have a 
self-limited duration similar to that observed in bacterial 
culture, and one attack of such disease gives the body an 
immunity against subsequent attacks. On this subject 
nothing satisfactory has been learned. There is no proof 
that the limited duration of infectious diseases depends 
upon either the exhaustion of certain nutritive substances 
in the animal body or upon the accumulation of poisonous 
bacterial products. Even if this should be the case in 
reference 10 the limitation of the acute infectious diseases 
it certainly could have no direct connection with the im- 
munity against subsequent attacks. 

The growth of germs upon dead matter such as are pro- 
vided for artificial culture cannot be compared directly 
with their growth and development in living bodies. In 
the latter the germs must compete with living cells, and 
are subiected to conditions not found in artifical cultures. 
Any attempt to account for the phenomena of immunity 
cannot be based exclusively upon a chemical basis but 
must also take in consideration the properties of living 
bodies and the functional activities of living cells. 

Chemical influences wiiich interfere with bacterial life 
may relate to either the absence of the necessary nutri- 
tive elements or to the presence of injurious agents. 

• Substances which kill bacteria are known as germicides 
or disinfectants. While the term "anti-septic'' as com- 
monly used, does not necessarily imply the power to de- 
stroy bacteria. Any agent which has the power to arrest 
the growth of germs and renders them inactive for a peri- 
od may be termed antiseptic, or any substance which de- 



336 



GERMICIDES. 



stroys or neutralizes the poisonous products of bacteria so 
that it cannot be absorbed into the system is properly 
termed antiseptic. 

The researches of Koch and Wernich have overthrown 
many of our preconceived notions in reference to the effi- 
ciency of various disinfectants and antiseptics. 

It has been shown that it is by no means an easy task to 
destroy germs, while their spores seem to defy most of our 
so-called antiseptics. 

Then it is evident that we should depend upon disinfect- 
ants rather than antiseptics. The latter are good, but not 
so reliable. 

Of the long list of antiseptics and germicides, which 
have within the past few years been highly recommended 
by physicians and surgeons, but comparatively few haw 
retained the confidence and proved reliable in practice. 

While this failure may appear to be due to the lack of 
germicidal power of the agent, it should be borne in mind 
that we cannot expect every germicide to serve the same 
purpose under all conditions, and the choice of the agent 
to be used must, the same as of other remedies, be gov- 
erned by existing conditions; for conditions and environ- 
ments may vary, even more than the agents themselves. 

Since all disinfectants are necessarily antiseptic, they 
may be so classed. The following substances are antisep- 
tic, but in the strength given cannot be considered reliable 
as disinfectants under all circumstances. 

Pyrogallic Acid, - 1: 100 
Boric Acid, - - 1: 600 
Salicylic Acid, - 1: 600 
Camphor, - - - 1: 400 
Iodine, - - - 1:2000 
Picric Acid, - - 1:3000 
Sulphate of Iron, - 1: 300 
Bromine, - - - 1:4000 
Kreolin, - - 1: 100 
Sodium Carbonate, 1: 200 
Sulphate of Copper, 1: 400 
Nitric Acid, - - 1: 400 
Alcohol, - 30 to 95 per ct. 
Peroxide of Hydrogen, 5 " 
The agents named in the above list may be used with 
satisfactory results in surgical and obstetrical practice as 
antiseptics, but it should be borne in mind that the great 



Thymol, 


1:75000 


Bichloride of Mercu 




ry, 


1 :40000 


Oil of Mustard, 


1:30000 


Permanganate of Pc 


- 


tassium, - - 


1: 3000 


Carbolic Acid, - 


1: 600 


Quinine, 


1: 1000 


Benzoic Acid, - 


1: 1000 


Sulphuric Acid, - 


1: 1000 


Oil of Cinnamon, 


1: 1000 


Hydrastis, 


1 : 500 


M yrrh, 


1: 1000 


Eucalyptol, 


1: 2000 



GERMICIDES. 337 

danger in treating cases of this nature comes from carry- 
ing the germs to them in the instruments and hands of 
the operator. In order to avoid contamination from this 
source the most thorough measures of disinfection are 
necessary. For this purpose it is well to use some of the 
stronger chemical disinfectants, and where practical heat 
may be used in order that aseptic conditions may be se- 
cured. 

In all surgical and obstetrical cases the use of antisep 
tics is of secondary importance to that of disinfectants. 
Nothing short of absolute cleanliness can secure the de- 
sired aseptic condition. 

In considering the properties of the various germicides 
and antiseptics, we find that some are valued solely for 
their germicidal properties. To this class belong bichlo- 
ride of mercury, carbolic acid, thymol and some of the 
stronger acids. 

Bichloride of mercury proves to be one of the most effi- 
cient germicides known. No other ngent so readily 
destroys both germs and spores, its action being instanta- 
neous even in very dilute solutions, one part to five thou- 
sand: provided, of course, there are no chemicals present, 
with which it unites and. thus renders it inert. When 
albumen is present in the solution, the bichloride is de- 
composed and rendered inactive as a germicide. It is also 
found that a watery solution of bichloride when allowed 
to stand for a long time precipitates its mercury salts and 
becomes inert. This may be prevented by the addition of 
a small amount of sodium chloride. 

Some surgeons recommend the addition of a mild organic 
acid— one that is unduly irritating. The following pre- 
scription has given satisfactory results, when used in 
surgical cases: 

Hydrarg. Chlorid. Corros. gr. xv 

Acid Tartaric gr. x vel dr. i 

Aquae Dist. pts. ii 

Bichloride solutions are used in strength of 1:1000 to 
1:5000 in treatment of ordinary wounds. 

The objections frequently urged against the use of bi- 
chloride of mercury and other chemical germicides, on the 
ground of their toxic effect upon the human system, are 
not without valid reasons; but as before stated, we should 
be governed in our choice entirely by the nature of the 
individual case, and the special work to be accomplished. 



338 GERMICIDES. 

In surgical work, where the object is thorough disinfec- 
tion of the operator's hands, instruments, and the surface 
of the body to be operated on, we should not hesitate to use 
some of the stronger germicides, thymol, bichloride, etc.; or 
if superficial wounds are to be cleansed and rendered asep- 
tic, this class of agents may be used with good results. 

However, after thorough disinfection we may with great 
advantage use the milder antiseptics, which are less irri- 
tating to raw surfaces, and are of such nature as to favor 
the healing process. 

Under all circumstances, where deep sinuses or mem- 
branous cavities are to be irrigated, avoid the use of those 
germicides that are readily absorbed by the tissues, such 
as bichloride, carbolic acid and arsenious acid. When 
agents of this class are used in deep fissures or in periton- 
ial cavities, toxic symptoms are of frequent occurrence. 

We would call attention to the use of iodoform, which 
has little if any germicidal action, yet it occupies a most 
important place among antiseptics. While iodoform exerts 
but little influence directly upon the germs, its virtue as 
an antiseptic lies in its peculiar power of rendering inert 
the bacterial ptomaines. It decomposes in the presence 
of germs, and while in a nascent state its elements change 
ptomaines into innocuous compounds, thus preventing 
absorption of the poisons by the system, and the forma- 
tion of pathogenic pus in wounds. 

Iodoform is ( f little, if any, importance in aseptic 
wounds; its greatest value is in suppurating wounds, 
where it can be applied directly to the diseased parts. The 
fact that it does not possess germicidal properties makes 
it necessary to sterilize it before using, or it may be the 
means of infection in an otherwise aseptic wound. 

A large list of purely sanative non-poisonous antisept ics 
could be mentioned. To this class belongs hydrogen per- 
oxide, much valued as a disinfectant for suppurating 
wounds, ulcerated sore throat and diphtheria, but owing 
to the frequent presence of higher acids is somewhat irri- 
tating, it is an excellent cleansing agent to be followed 
by the milder antiseptics. Hydrogen peroxide may be 
used in 5 per cent solution up to full strength, according 
to the requirements of the case. 

Boric acid is one of the most important sterilizing agents 
known fpr mucous surfaces. When used in a saturated 



GETJM. 339 

aqueous solution it is an excellent disinfectant, and an 
antiseptic in weaker solutions. 

The diluted tincture of myrrh aside from its valuable 
antiseptic properties acts as a mild stimulant to the cir- 
culation and may be used with confidence. Its heal inl- 
and cleansing qualities are especially manifest in treat- 
ment of ulcerated sore throat and nasal cavities. For this 
purpose the pure tincture may be diluted one-half and 
used as a gargle. In obstetrical and surgical operations it 
is one of the most desirable antiseptics. 

Hydrastis possesses but little power as a germicide but 
like idoform is one of the most potent agents in its action 
upon bacterial products. Experience has demonstrated its 
value not only as an antiseptic but in its benign influence 
upon mucous membranes. It is one of the best remedial 
measures that we have for the treatment of choleraic 
diarrhoea, especially by electrolysis or slow irrigation of 
the colon and small intestines by way of the rectum. The 
following prescription may be used for this purpose 
Sterile infusion of Chammomile Flowers 1000 
Standard Aqueous Solution Hydrastis 50 
Gum Arabic 15 

Hydrastis like myrrh manifests a tonic influence, and 
wherever membranes or tissues in wounds or cavities 
manifest a lowered tone or degenerate condition this agent 
is indicated. Hydrastis also exerts a very decided anti- 
malarial influence showing that when taken into the blood 
it antagonizes the germicidal ptomaines. It is also of 
special value in some forms of chronic dyspepsia where it 
exerts its peculiar antiseptic properties as well as its in- 
fluence upon the mucous membranes of the stomach. 
Hydrastis has long been recognized as an antiseptic and 
healing agent in the treatment of uterine catarrh, diseases 
of the bladder and as an injection for gonorrhoea. 

GEUM RIVALE AND VIRGINIARUM. 

Water Averts, Averts. 

The root is a pleasant, mild, soothing, tonic astringent. 
It is not drying but soothing to the mucous membrane. 

It is useful in mild acute and chronic cases of diarrhoea 
and dysentery. In leucorrhcea and gleet it may be used 
with good effect both locally and constitutionally. It may 
be used for light hemorrhages from any source. Locally it 
is a good wash for some irritated forms of sore mouth. 



340 GLYCiSMNA. 

This article is not best where there is a tendency to con- 
stipation without it be combined with some such agent as 
syr. juglans. Constipation is irritating and diarrhoea is 
weakening. Avoid both extremes and seek to induce daily 
regularity. If there be a tendency to diarrhoea use tonic- 
astringents. Such may prevent debilitated conditions. 
Geum displays its influence to best advantage as a tonic- 
astringent. It is one of the best agents to be used in cases 
of cholera infantum. It improves digestion and assists 
assimilation. 

The fluid extract is a good preparation, or the powdered 
root may be boiled in milk. 

GILLENIA TRIPOLI ATA AND STIPULACEA. 
Indian Physic. 

The root is relaxing and stimulating chiefly to the alvine 
mucous membrane. Given in small doses in hot infusion 
it gives an outward flow of blood. If this be continued 
long or it be given in large doses emesis may be the result. 
This will also help to equalize the circulation. 

Cold preparations chiefly influence the alvine canal and 
produce catharsis. 

This agent is of value in colds, in the incipient stage of 
eruptive diseases where a good circulation is needed, and 
not unfrequently catharsis. Such a course is not unfre- 
quently essential in the beginning of the treatment of 
inflammatory rheumatism. 

It may also prove valuable in dropsy. 

ULECHOMA HEDERACEA. 
Ground Ivy. 

The herb gives a disagreeable odor, and possesses a bit- 
terish aromatic taste. It is a gently stimulating tonic to 
the mucous membrane, influencing especially that of the 
kidneys and of the respiratory tubuli. It will be found of 
use in cases of chronic bronchitis and phthisis where ex- 
pectoration is too free. 

GLYCERIN A. 

This is an odorless and colorless fluid obtained from 
various oils and fats. It has a sweetish taste, remains 
fluid and can be mixed with water in any desired propor- 
tions. Applied to the skin it softens it, but it gives a 
stinging sensation lasting a few seconds. This however 






GLYCERIN A. 341 

can be avoided if it be previously mixed with a little 
water. 

Glycerin is an antiseptic, a solvent and a preservative 
nearly equal to alcohol. For solvent purposes it maybe 
diluted with alcohol to any desired extent. 

It may be used to partially cover bitter and stimulating 
medicines, and is frequently used to cover cod liver oil in 
the forming of an emulsion. 

As a solvent more or less diluted with water, it extracts 
the qualities of drugs and partially covers the excess of 
bitterness and stimulancy which the same drugs would 
have, had the menstruum been alcohol. 

As a wash in eczemas either alone or in combination it 
is good. 

Tr. Iodine 2 

Glycerin 1 

To one ounce of this mixture add half an ounce of hypo- 
sulphite of soda and apply for barber's itch. Or the fol- 
lowing may be used for the same trouble after shaving 
close: 

Prepared Chalk 10 

Coal Tar 1 to 4 

Glycerin 5 

Simple Cerate 60 

Or instead of the glycerin and simple cerate, add 20 

parts of linseed oil. 

Ol. Rosas 

Glycerina 

Spiritus Myristicae 

OL Cajuputi 

Apply at night to chapped hands, or the following may 

be used for the same purpose; 

Glycerin 

Tr. Benzoin 

Aqua Rosas 

Aqua Camphorae 

M. Apply at night. 

Or use the following; 

Spermaceti 

Ol. Almonds 

Glycerin 

White Wax 

Melt together and stir till cold. 



gtt 


a. xv 


oz. 


i 


oz. 


iii 


gtta. xx 


ds, 


or tfc 


oz. 


as 


dr 


ss 


oz. 


iiiss 


oz. 


iv 


oz. 


ss 


oz. 


ii 


oz. 


i 


dr. 


i 



342 GLYCJSIUNA. 

Glycerin oz. i 

Tr. Myrrh dr, ii 

Hydrastia Phos. grs. iii 

Rose Water q. s. oz. iv 

In bad cases of sore mouth apply every three hours. 

Glycerin oz. iv 

Alum oz. iv 

Mutton Tallow 

Beeswax aa. oz. ii 

Best Pine Tar oz. i 

Carbolic Acid dr. ii 

Dissolve and then stir till cold. It is excellent for piles. 
As a diluted wash for the head it is cleansing to the sur- 
face and nutrient to the hair follicles. 

Glycerin oz. iii 

Tr. Capsicum dr. i 

F. E. Quercus Alba dr. iv 

Ess. Bergamot dr. i 

This is a, pleasant and effective tonic to the hair follicles 
after fevers or subsequent to cases of syphilis or wherever 
there is danger of the hair falling off. 

Alcohol oz. i 

Glycerin oz. ii 

Tr. Capsicum dr. ii 

F. E. Verbascnmi oz. iii 

Ess. Bergamot dr. ii 

Rose Water oz. i 

This is also an excellent hair invigorator. But we do 
not guarantee either of these recipes to cause bald . heads 
to be covered with a luxuriant growth of hair. 

Soften clean glue oz. xiv in coJd water oz. xxviii. Make 
the solution complete in a water bath. Then add oz. ii 
glycerin. Apply with a camel's hair brush over burns. 

Some glycerin diluted may be added to poultices to keep 
them moist especially during the night. 
F. E. Lobelia Infl. 
Glycerin aa. equal parts 

is a good preparation for the moistening of the wax of the 
ear and for the relief of partial deafness due to this cause. 
It is also a soothing and relaxing preparation for caked or 
inflamed breast. 
Glycerin when added to cough syrups promotes expecto- 



GL.YCYRRHIZA. 343 

ration, and when added to cathartics increases their laxa- 
tive power. 

Aqua 32 

Glycerin 5 

Citric Acid, Lemon Juice or Acetuni 1 

This is a pleasant and most admirable beverage for the 
troublesome thirst of diabetes. 

Glycozone manufactured by Charles Marcharul, of 
New York, is the chemical result ol submitting pure 
glycerin to fifteen times its own volume of ozone under 
certain conditions. 

This is a good preparation for the prevention of gastric 
and intestinal fermentation. It heals the gastric mem- 
brane, relieves heartburn and gives favorable results in 
dyspepsia, gastritis and gastric ulcer. 

After sores have been cleansed by hydrozone or listerine 
or some other preparation, apply glycozoue; it is an excel- 
lent fluid dressing. 

GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA, 
Licorice. Southern Europe. 

The root is a gently relaxing and stimulating, soothing 
demulcent, influencing chiefly the mucous membrane antf 
especially that of the bronchi. It soothes and relieves 
conditions attributable to colds. It is an excellent adju- 
vant for bitter medicines; eveu the taste of quinine and 
gentian is somewhat disguised by its use. Pills are fre- 
quently coated with it and bitter powders are frequently 
incorporated into it. 

If the extract be dissolved and incorporated with lactiu 
or starch and then dried and pulverized, it becomes a 
splendid vehicle with which to triturate quinine and many 
other bitter resinoids and stimulants. This is especially 
excellent where it can be incorporated with medicines that 
influence the bronchi. The fluid extract is also used as a 



vehicle. 




F. E. Glycyrrhiza 




" Lobelia Inf. 


a a- dr. ii 


" Aralia Rac. 


dr. i 


" Sanguinaria Can. 


gtta. xv 


Ess. Anise 


dr. ss 


Syr. Prunus 


q. s. oz. Iv 



H44 GNAPHALIUM. 

This for a dry tickling cough is excellent, and so it, the 
following: 

F. E. Eupatorium Perfol. 
" Glycyrrhiza Glab. aa. dr. ii 
Lobelia InfL m dr. i 

'■ Zingiber gtta. v 

Syr. Pruhus V. q. s. oz. iv 

GNAPHALIUM POLYCEPHALIUM. 
Life Everlasting. 

The herb is a mild diffusive, relaxant and stimulant to 
the muons membrane. It is slightly demulcent and is 
soothing to the mucous membrane in whatever part its 
action is most needed, or as directed by other medicines. 

Locally it is a good cleansing wash for either a sore 
mouth or a foul and irritable vagina. 

In the treatment of cystic catarrh it influences the 
cystic membrane to tfhrow off a large amount of mucous. 

Ln bronchial catarrh it allays irritation and relieves the 
mucous membrane of its extra accumulation. 

The smoke of this herb as well as an infusion of the 
plant yields good results in asthma. Give the infusion 
a^nd between the doses allow the patient to inhale the 
smoke. The latter influence is exerted directly by inhala- 
tion and the former is directed by the vital force a* a neces- 
sity for bronchial relief. 

In colds in which there is more or less bronchial conges- 
tion, a hot infusion of the following is excellent: 
Asclepias Tub. 4 

Zingiber 1 

Gnaphalium 2 

Gnaphalium in hot infusion is mildly diaphoretic: zingi- 
ber gives it power in diaphoresis. 

In gastric catarrh it loosens the mucous discharge, but 
usually needs some tonic to follow. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends this agent in pleuro- 
pneumonia, angina, croupy cough, atelectasis pulmonum. 
bronchiectasis, bronchial catarrh, capillary bronchitis, 
laryngitis, mumps. 

This agent is rendered still more important when com- 
bined with verbascum. 



GUA1ACTJM. 345 

GOODYERA PUBESCENS. 
Spotted or White Plantain. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends this agent as excellent for 
scrofula and chronic diarrhoea. 

GOSSYPIUM HERBACEUM. 
Cotton Root. 

The root is a relaxing and stimulating emmenagogue. 
In small doses it is antispasmodic and is valuable in dys- 
menorrhoea where there is usually scantiness of menstrual 
Mow 

It is a very improper agent for the use of the pregnant* 
It may provoke uterine irritation. It will increase labor 
pains and their intensity, hence it is not a proper agent to 
be used during parturition, especially if the lady be of a 
hemorrhagic diathesis. 

In acting as it does on the uterus it also influences diu- 
resis. 

Cotton seed oil has become quite an industry. It may 
lie used as a substitute for the same general purposes a^ 
linseed oil. It may be combined with ulmus as a dressing 
for burns and irritated sores. 

GUAIACUM OFFICINALE. 
Lignum V'itoz. .Jamaica. St. Domingo 

The wood comes to us in the form of chips. The centre 
wood yields a supply of gum-resin which is its active prin- 
ciple. 

Guaiaci resin i is a positive stimulating alterative to 
the general system. The digestive organs all feel its 
influence and so do the urinary and genital organs. It 
stimulates the circulation and induces a good capillary 
flow. It is best suited to languid and depressed conditions 
of the mucous membrane, and a clogged condition of the 
secernents, as in secondary syphilis, mercurial cachexia 
and venereal rheumatism. For such purposes however it 
is best administered with alterants. For arousing the 
circulation it is best administered in hot infusion when its 
influence is felt by the capillary circulation. 
AsclepiasTub. 4 

Zingiber 1 

Guaiacum 3 



346 HAGUSNIA. 

This acts quite fully on the circulation and may be used 
in syphilitic fever and acute rheumatism. 
Cold forms are usually best for chronic diseases. 
Guaiacum is not suited to irritated or sensitive condi- 
tions. It is too stimulating for such. 

The resin may be triturated on lactin or sugar and given 
dry or in capsule. But the resin does not readily combine 
with other remedies. The chips are best for the forma- 
tion of compounds. 
Guaiacum Chips 
Smilax Off. aa. 2 

Ruraex Crisp. 
Arctium Sem. 

Taraxacum D. L. aa. 3 

This is an excellent alterative. 
Guaiacum Chips 
Cimicifuga Rac. 

Phytolacca Bac. aa. 4 . 

Xanthoxylum Cort. 1 

Aqua q. s. 

Raise to the boiling point and allow to stand two 
hours and add- sugar q, s. Give three to six times a day for 
rheumatism. 

Gum Guaiacum oz, i 

" Myrrh 
" Camphor 
Oil Capsicum aa. oz. ss 

Alcohol oz. xxxii 

This forms a pain-killer of some importance, 
Guaiacum Resin 

Sugar aa. oz. ss 

Gum Acacia dr. ii 

Triturate well in one pint of cinnamon water. This 
forms a good emulsion of this agent. 

HAGE^IA ABYSSIN1CA. 
Kousso. Abyssinia, 

The flowers are an anthelmintic and are used to expel 
the tape worm. It excites a heat, nausea and sometimes 
vomiting and thirst. It may be given in powder, infusion 
or fluid extract after fasti Hg a day. Four hours after giv- 
ing the dose of kousso give a good large dose of antibilious 
physic. It usually expels the worm. Occasionally the 
dose may have to be repeated. 






HAMAMELIS. .'H7 

HAMAMELIS VIRGINICA. 

Witch Hazel. 

The leases and twigs are a pleasant, reliable, mild, 
soothing, diffusive, stimulating, astringent tonic. It 
chiefly influences the mucous membrane. 

Locally it is much used in gonorrhoea, and in gleet. The 
aqueous or distilled extract has become a favorite for this 
purpose. It is colorless and when used with colorless hy- 
drastis it makes an excellent injection to soothe the ure- 
thra. In the treatment of this disease it gives good re- 
sults and no urethral contractions follow its use. In leu- 
corrhoea it stimulates, astringes and tones the uterus and 
vagina. 

In dysentery and diarrhoea it may be used alone or in 
conjunction with ulmus or other remedies. 

It is a mild remedy for light cases of hemorrhages, rec- 
tal, cystic or uterine. 

In catarrh of whatever part of the mucous membrane it 
may be, it is a good remedy. When needed for vaginal <»; 
nasal catarrh it may be used locally. In nasal catarrh it may 
be used with the nasal douche or be incorporated with vase- 
line and applied with a camel's hair brush. In vaginal ca- 
tarrh it may be used by injection, suppository, gelatin cap- 
sule, tablet, or upon a pledget of cotton. Thus applied it 
is an excellent remedy for prolapsus uteri. 

As a rectal injection it gives favorable results in prolap- 
sus ani and in rectal hemorrhages. 

In purulent ophthalmia it forms a good wash, and also 
for sore gums or sore mouth. 

With a small portion of capsicum it is excellent in cases 
of menorrhagia. Though this agent is an astringent it is 
not drying but leaves the surface soothed and toned. It 
influences the nerves in the same manner. 

A strong infusion forms a good wash for scaly and other 
skin diseases. 

When there is a tendency to hemorrhage it will give re- 
lief of after-pains. 

Aqueous Hydrastis dr. iii 

" Hamamelis dr. ii 

<rlycerin oz. ss 

Aqua q. s. oz. iv 

This forms a good injection for the inflammatory stage 
of gonorrhoea- 



348 HEDEOMA. 

Aqueous Hydrastis dr. ii 

" Hamamelis dr. iv 

Glycerin oz. ss 

Aqua q. s. oz, iv • 

This is best adapted for use as an injection for secondary 
conditions. 

HAPLOPAPPUS BAYLAHUAU. 

Hysterionica. Chili. 

The herb is covered with a thick balsamic exudation 
which yields an abundance of fixed oil quite aromatic. It 
is a soothing, stimulating and somewhat astringent agent 
influencing the mucous membrane throughout, but espe- 
cially that of the alvine canal. Its cleansing and toning 
power makes it an antiseptic of no little importance. 

In acute and chronic diarrhoea, in dysentery, the diar- 
rhoea of phthisis and in cholera infantum it is very benefi- 
cial, relieving also the tenesmus, nausea and vomiting 
incident to such conditions. It relieves indigestion and 
assists in some forms of dyspepsia. In combination with 
such agents as influence the respiratory organs it increases 
expectoration, soothes and tones the bronchi. 

Its soothing, toning and cleansing power is well marked 
upon the urinary organs, but it is not a diuretic. 

It is stimulating and toning to the generative organs 
and relieves them of muco-purulent discharges. 

It is also beneficial in nasal, gastric and cystic catarrh. 

HEDEOMA PULEGOIDES. 
Pennyroyal. 

This herb is. an aromatic, stimulating, and relaxing dia- 
phoretic. It is warming to the stomach and sustaining to 
the capillary circulation. In hot infusion it is a popular 
agent for the breaking up of colds, and for the relief of 
the menstrual flow when influenced by congestion. While 
a diaphoretic, it is no less an antispasmodic nervine and 
will be found valuable in dysmenorrhoea in nervous ladies, 
and is of good service in hysteria. 

In hot infusion it will be found valuable in eruptive dis- 
eases, and may be given very freely when the eruption is 
slow in making its appearance. 

In hot infusion it gives good results in the colic, flatu- 
lence, restlessness, peevishness, general nervousness and 
feverishness of children. 



HELIANTHUS. 349 

Locally applied a hot fomentation or the local applica- 
tion of steam from an infusion of this agent may be very 
profitably used to relieve local congestions, whether of 
head, lungs, stomach, uterus, bladder or kidneys. 

The ail may be triturated on sugar or lactin and used for 
the same purposes as the herb. Combined with other 
agents it forms an excellent application for sprains and 
for rheumatism. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends this agent as a specific 
for sunstroke and for exhaustion from overheat. Give no 
ice water to drink and place no ice on the head. 

HELIANTHELLA TENUIFOLIA. 
Helianthella. Florida. 

This is a slender perennial herb bearing showy heads of 
yellow flowers. It grows about two feet high. 

The raot is an aromatic, relaxing and stimulating anti- 
spasmodic, chiefly influencing the mucous membrane, 
especially of the respiratory organs. 

In hot infusion it is diaphoretic and influences the cir- 
culation and may be profitably used in colds, bronchitis, 
phthisis and chronic coughs, in which conditions it is a 
good expectorant. Large doses may nauseate and may 
prove emetic. 

Cold preparations are somewhat diuretic. 

HELIANTHEMUM CAN A DENSE. 
Frostwort. 

This plant is a stimulating, astringent, tonic alterative, 
expending its influence chiefly upon the mucous membrane 
of the alvine canal, and giving very excellent results in 
acute and chronic diarrhoea, especially when these are the 
result of some strumous troubles. It also forms a good 
wash in either acute or chronic ophthalmia. 

For internal use as an alterative it is best combined 
with other agents of more permanent value, as menisper- 
mum or celastrus. 

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS. 
Sunflower. 

The seeds have a large quantity of oil which may be 
obtained freely by compression. It is quite nutrient and 
somewhat mucilaginous. An infusion is rather pleasant, 
promotes a free flow of urine, soothes the inflamed and 



.'350 HEPATICA. 

irritable urinary tract. Its influence is largely felt upon 
the sabaceous glands quite effectually. Added to diffusives 
and diaphoretics it is valuable in scarlatina and in scaly 
skin affections. It is claimed for this as for the eucalyp- 
tus globulus that when planted freely in malarious regions 
it quite effectually does away with maiaria. I have seen 
several illustrations of this which seemed to favor such a 
conclusion. It is also frequently planted near house and 
other drains as a means of air purification. 

The root of the sunflower is a relaxing, moderately 
stimulating diaphoretic when given in hot infusion, but 
cold preparations act gently on the kidneys and are some- 
what laxative to the bowels. Both hot and cold prepara- 
tions may be used with great advantage in bilious and 
other fevers, in the former for its diaphoretic influence and 
the latter for its influence on the liver, bowels and kidneys. 
A strong infusion may produce emesis, which may be no 
real disadvantage. 

HEPATICA TRILOBA. 
Liverwort. 

This plant is a mild stimulating, demulcent, tonic 
astringent. As a patent medicine it has been used for 
almost everything; but its main sphere of influence is on 
the mucous membrane and the hepatic aparata. It is a 
mild soothing remedy and is best used in combination 
with other agents of a more positive character. 

It forms a good addition to cough syrups, especially 
when there is present a torpid liver. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends it in seminal discharges 
from gleetish affections and weakness of the spermatic 
cord and also in nephritis. . 

HERACLEUM LAMTUM, 
Masterwort. 

The root, leaves and seed are a stimulating carminative 
and antispasmodic. In hot infusion it influences the cir- 
culation, and maybe used for the relief of colds, and in 
dysmenorrhoea. It produces diaphoresis and quiets the 
nervous system. It may also be used in flatulence and 
gastric complaints. 

HEUCHERA AMERICANA. 
Alum Root. 
The roof is a stimulating astringent. It is a good local 






HUMULUS- 351 

styptic, and internally it may be used for hemorrhages 
and diarrhoea. It gives good results incorporated with 
vaseline as a local application to hemorrhoids. 

For internal use triturate on some saccharine or mucil- 
aginous materia], as that of ulmus. 

HIERACIUM VENOSUM. 
Blood- Wort. 

This plant is a positive, stimulating astringent. In hot 
infusion it arouses a full capillary circulation. 

It is moderately styptic and may be used for hemor- 
rhages from whatever source. 

It is not a drying astringent but is quite tonic. It is of 
much importance in dysentery and in diarrhoea, in the 
treatment of catarrh, and as a gargle for sore throat. Lo- 
cally it is excellent in chronic leucorrhoea and for a relaxed 
vagina. 

HUMULUS LUPULUS. 
Hops. 

The flower and pollen is a stimulating and relaxing 
nervine of much power, it mildly influences the secern- 
ents and relieves the secernents somewhat as a gentle but 
thorough alterant. In insomnia the hop pillow is no 
myth. It quiets the nerves and soothes the whole system 
without any shade of narcotism As a poultice or foment- 
ation it is superior to most other agents for the relief of 
inflammatory and irritable conditions, whether they be 
internal or external. 

It makes a good addition to cough syrups for irritable 
coughs and restlessness. 

It is a superior agent in rheumatism and neuralgia, A 
hot fomentation may be applied to the parts affected, and 
with other agents taken internally with the best of success. 

In hysteria and dysmeno:rhoea it will be found of great 
advantage whether used by itself or in combination with 
other agents. 

In combination with hepatic tonics it will give good 
results in nervous depression. It is gently laxative to the 
bowels and holds a relaxing influence over the liver and 
gall ducts. 

The fluid extract and lupulin both moderately represent 
the drug. 



352 HYDRASTIS. 

, Lupulin grs. l 

Camphor grs. xl 

Make into 10 suppositories and insert one into the vagi- 
na at intervals as needed for pruritus and in cases of 
nymphomania. 

HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS. 

Hydrangea, Seven Barks. 

The root is an aromatic, stimulating and relaxing diu- 
retic and is very valuable for the relief of calcareous depos- 
its. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says if equally combined with colli nso- 
nia canadensis it will dissolve and expel any gravel with- 
out pain. 

It also gives great relief in severe cases of cystitis. 

The Doctor also says that if the juice of black Spanish 
rettishes be injected into the bladder it will dissolve any 
hard stone or litho-dialysis and prevent the necessity for 
the dangerous operation of lithotomy. 

HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS. 
Golden Seal. 

This root is the king of tonics go the mucous membrane 
It is a mild, positive and permanent stimulating tonic. 
Its influence, though primarily given to the mucous mem- 
brane, extends to all parts of the body, wherever it may be 
required by the necessities of the vital force or influenced 
thither by its combination with other agents. 

It improves the appetite and assists digestion. In the 
weak and debilitated stomach, especially if there be ner- 
vous disturbances or if the gastric membrane be clogged 
with congested or catarrhal mucous, and in cases of gastric 
ulceration, hydrastis given in small and frequent doses 
will not unf requently give relief both to the gastric mem- 
brane and to the nervous system. 

In combination with biborate of soda it makes an excel- 
lent wash for children's sore mouth and other forms of 
sore mouth and sore gums. 

Its especial function with the liver is its tonic relief to 
the portal system. In fact this same class of influence is 
felt throughout the entire venous system. It is one of the 
best agents for the sustaining of the venous circulation. 
Hence its action upon the right or venous side of the 
heart. 



HYDRASTIS. - 353 

Us influence is also felt by the arterial circulati on, but 
this influence is secondary. 

Hydrastis may be made to specially influence the stom- 
ach, bronchi, bowels, urinary aparata or genitalia, as it 
may be influenced by its combination witb agents that 
especially influence any one of these several departments. 
With aralia, prunus or comfrey it gives tone and vigor to 
the respiratory organs; with juglans it forms a powerful 
intestinal tonic; with eupatorium purpureum or capsella 
its tonic influence is felt upon the kidneys; and with such 
ngents as mitchella it promptly influences the organs of 
generation. 

With gentle astringents, it is admirable in the gastric 
and alvine weakness present in cholera infantum, and in 
diarrhoea generally. It tones the membrane and enables 
it to cast off its accumulated mucous. 

Locally in female troubles it is unexcelled. Kino or 
liamamelis may be added as required. 

In intestinal weakness it maybe combined with some 
preparation of iron, and when alteratives are required to 
be used the influence of hydrastis is frequently a valuable 
addition. 

It is of great service combined witli hepatio< for the 
relief of the portal circulation and for its tonic influence 
in both the secreting and excreting functions of the liver. 

Powdered hydrastis enters into the composition of Dr. 
Bedford's sore throat powder which lias given the doctor 
so much satisfaction in the treatment of diphtheria and 
other forms of ulceration of the throat. 

Locally the influence of hydrastis is a very superior one. 
In erysipelas, ophthalmia, sore mouth, sore throat, leucor- 
rhoea, vaginal and uterine ulceration, eczema, small-pox, 
eruptive and syphilitic sores it will do good service. 
F. E. Hydrastis Can. 1 

Ol. Lini 8 

This is one of the best washes in cases of eruptive dis- 
eases to relieve the surface of the itching and burning 
seusation, in small-pox to prevent pitting, and in scarla- 
tina to prevent the scales from being spread around the 
loom. 

With hamamelis and glycerin it forms an excellent wash 
in gonorrhoea. 

An infusion of hydrastis may be used daily for uterine 
ulceration. 



354 HYDRASTIS. 

Prof. E. G. Anthony uses finely powdered hydrastis for 
ulceration of the cornea. 

Pul. Hydrastis dr. iv 

" Myrrh dr. i 

" Capsicum grs. v to x 

In cases of syphilis with bad labial ulcers till these with 
the above several times a day. 

Remember that hydrastis is an antiseptic as well as a 
tonic and one of no little power; also a germicide. 

Locally applied the following is very beneficial for hem- 
orrhoids: 

Adeps oz. ii 

Hydrastis dr. vi 

Tannin dr. ii 

Lobelia dr. i 

Zingiber grs. xv 

For gleet the following has been used with success: 
Fid. Hydrastis oz. iss 

Bismuth Subnitrate dr. ii 

Boro-Glyceride, 5 per cent, solution oz. i 
Acacia Mucilage oz. i 

Inject as needed of this, diluted if desirable, three times 
a day. 

F. E. Hydrastis 4 

" Phytolacca 2 

Acid Salicylic 

Acid Boric aa. 1 

F. E. Mentha Arvensis 

" Thymus Vulgaris aa. 2 
Distilled Hamamelis 5 

This forms an excellent wash for the vagina, throat, 
rectum in cases of hemorrhoids, burns, bruises and sun- 
burns. 

McCoy, Howe Co , Indianapolis. Ind., manufacture Gold- 
en Liquid Hydrastis, non-alcoholic; representing all the 
valuable constituents of hydrastis without the dark color- 
ing matter. This is superior to colorless hydrastis in that 
it not only contains the white alkaloid hydrastine, but 
also berberine and the volatile principles of the drug. It 
represents all the medical virtues of the drug, combines 
with any solution, and is a very valuable preparation. 
Hydrastia Sulphate 
Xanthoxylin aa. 1 

Bicarbonate Soda 






HYDROZONE. 365 

Avenin aa. 2 

This preparation gives good results in dyspepsia, heart- 
burn and various forms of colic. 

Phos. Hydrastia grs. xx 

Tannin dr. i 

F. E. Cinchona dr. iv 

" Dioscorea Vil. dr. iv 

" Xanthoxylum dr. ii 

Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. viii 

M. S. Use a teaspoonful of this preparation every three 
to six hours in cases of lead poisoning. 
Hydrastis can. 

Humulus Lup. aa. equal parts. 
Use this freely to stimulate, sustain and tone the spinal 
nerves. 

For washes and injections the aqueous and colorless 
preparations may be best on account of preventing the 
staining of the linen, yet for general use they are inferior 
and do not fully represent Hydrastis canadensis. 

HYDROZONE ( Charles Marchand. N. V. 

Hydrozone is an antiseptic, a cleanser, a pus destroyer, 
and bactericide second to none, and in many respects the 
very best. It yields thirty times its own volume of nas- 
cent oxygen gas (near to the condition of ozone i, conse- 
quently it is from two to four times the strength of any 
peroxide of hydrogen solution. 

It is purer, far more reliable, and should be preferred to 
all other preparations sold under the name of peroxide of 
hydrogen, hydrogen dioxide, etc;. 

In diphtheria I have made much use of it and always 
with gratifying results. It may be gargled or used with 
an atomizer freely and frequently, from one to three hours. 
After thoroughly cleansing the throat with hydrozone, a 
portion should be diluted according to the severity of the 
case, and a teaspoonful swallowed. 

Especially should this be done after the membrane be- 
gins to slough. Some portions of this poisonous material 
will necessarily fall into the stomach and become deleteri- 
ous there to the gastric membrane. Small portions of 
hydrozone taken into the stomach will prove antiseptic 
and prevent whatever putrid material may have been 
swallowed, from doing any injury to the system. 

After gargling or atomizing allow no water or other 



356 HYPNOTISM. 

drink to be taken for about three to Ave minutes, when 
the parts become thoroughly cleansed. 

If other agents are to be used to gargle or to atomize the 
throat, hydrozone is to be used first to thoroughly cleanse 
the membrane. I have been very successful in the treat- 
ment of diphtheria, scarcely ever losing a case. 

In tonsilitis, as soon as the pus commences to exude, 
hydrozone should be used to cleanse the cavity. It gives 
excellent results. 

More or less diluted (according to the degree of sensitive- 
ness of the patient) it may be used with the atomizer in 
the treatment of nasal catarrh. 

In catarrhal conditions of the stomach and bowels it 
acts like a charm as a cleansing and antiseptic agent. 

For cleansing open sores, open abscesses, carbuncles, 
ulcers, it has no equal. It cleanses thoroughly and inno- 
cently. Give plenty of time for the cleansing of the parts 
before applying any dressing. In otorrhcea I have used 
it with excellent success. It cleanses, tones and heals. 

In diseases of the genito-urinary organs whether of an 
infectious origin or otherwise, it may be used whenever 
needed to cleanse the parts. It may be used more or less 
diluted with water as found necessary. 

Per vagi nam it cleanses and relieves lecuorrhoea and 
pruritus and stimulates and tones that organ. In typhoid 
and bilious fever, typhus, cholera and yellow fever, in more 
or less diluted form, occasionally it will be very valuable as 
a bactericide and cleanser of the mucous membrane. 

HYPNOTISM. 
By G. H. Mayhugh, M. D., 

Editor of Sanative Medicine, Westerville, Ohio. 

History. — Animal magnetism, mesmerism, hypnotism, 
are synonymous terms for a state or condition, psychic in 
its character, which has so much of a helpful or harmful 
influence— in whichever direction it may be turned— upon 
the physical man, that it has ever justly claimed a large 
share of the time and effort of medical men. 

Frederick Anton Mesmer, after whom this state was 
termed mermerism. did much investigation but he failed 
to comprehend the subject, and his work was largely initi- 
atory. He saw only physical manipulations and exalted 
these as th^ essential elements of its successful production. 






HYPNOTISM. 357 

The honor of placing the matter on a scientific and ra- 
tional basis belongs to James Braid an English surgeon, 
who, in 1842, published the claim that the phenomena did 
not depend upon the transmission of a fluid (magnetism) 
from the operstor, but that they were due to a peculiar 
nerve force in the magnetized. This he denominated 
hypnotism. 

To Charcot of Paris is due the praise of having done 
more in recent years than any other otie to invest with a 
Therapeutic value the many experiments being made in the 
held of hypnotism. He made clear the distinctions be- 
tween the psychic d and the physical in the various phe- 
nomena connected therewith and set'- forth clearly the 
various stages of hypnotic influence. The results he ob- 
tained are now recognized as among the best authenticated 
points in neural pathology and therapeutics. 

Definition and Nut are. — Hypnotism is the science of 
the sleep-like state produce! in certain persons susceptible 
to it by some influence exerted by another or, less frequent- 
ly, by one's self, which latter is termed auto-hypnosis 
The study of hypnu ism is largely the study of mental 
philosophy, and this latter seems indeed to be in its in- 
fancy. In connection with psychological study are noticed 
many exceptional irregular phenomena of mental and 
nervous states which are difficult of classification, and 
these we now denominate hypnotic, somnambulistic, 
hysteric, lethiryic, trance-like. Hypnotism is proving 
itself to be one of the primary divisions of a broader and 
higher field of mental science than has hitherto been 
known, and investigations are being rapidly pushed there- 
in. 

The result of these researches seems to be, that there 
are various personalities in the same being; that there is 
an unconscious mental life as well as, and consistent 
with, a conscious mental life. It is believed that person- 
ality extends no further than consciousness. Hence, we 
must define hypnotism as being, in the light of this idea, 
that condition in which the normal, conscious self is in 
abeyance and an inner self is brought out into action. 
This might be made plainer if, assuming, as previously 
stated, that personality is limited to the realm of con- 
sciousness, we state it that the normal state of mind is 
that state in which the field of consciousness is unbound- 
ed, and the hypnotic state as that in which the field of 



358 HYPNOTISM. 

consciousness is contracted or limited in some particular 
direction, the attention not being able to take in the nor- 
mal number of S3nsations or ideas at once. Every phenom- 
enon of hypnotic suggestion and thi various phases of the 
hypnotic state prove the truth of the proposition above 
stated; namely, that there are various personalities in the 
same individual — of course one being chief and the others 
subordinate to this; but that the ego, the normal and su- 
preme self, is, in its totality, made up of various selves, 
there can be no doubt. True, these selves are limited, 
split-off, sub-conscious in character, but that they exist no 
one conversant with the subject under discussion can deny: 
and the ordinary state of sleep has in its phenomena many 
corollary proofs of this composite character of the ego. 

Susceptibility to Hypnosis.— To. make hypnotism use- 
ful and its application practical, it will be well to very 
briefly state a few well-ascertained facts as to who can or 
cannot be hypnotized. Fully ninety-five per cent, of all 
persons can be hypnotized to a greater or less degree; of 
these the greater number will be men, so that it is seen 
that seac has a slightly modifying influence. Of greater 
moment is age, those from seven to twenty-one years being 
most easily hypnot ized. Climate has a marked influence, 
those of the tropics being much more easily influenced 
than people of colder regions. Ra re is a marked factor, 
the French people being more susceptible than Germans. 
The Hindoos are the most easily hypnotized of any people 
on the globe. People of medium intelligence are the 
best subjects of hypnosis. Insanity hinders hypnosis and 
idiocy renders its accomplishment impossible. 

There are many things that hinder or promote hypnosis. 
Distracting noises, a recent meal, deep mental emotions, 
strong light, excessive heat or cold— these retard hypnosis: 
while quiet, rest, moderate light, medium temperature, 
music, etc.. hasten its production, and the operator must 
watch these points carefully. 

Methods of Jts Production.— -These are various and 
their special description cannot be here given. All meth- 
ods are classed as (a) physical and (b) psychical. 

The physical comprehends all such acts as affect the 
nervous system through the medium of the sensory nerves 
— hence there are five avenues open to us in this matter. 
Of the senses, that of sight is most frequently used. The 
psychical is the method by which the mind is T in various 



HYPNOTISM. 359 

ways, profoundly and continuously impressed with the 
idea of sleep, and depends for its philosophy upon the 
principle of "suggestion/' of which more will be said 
further on. 

Stages of Hypnosis and the Physiological Effects of 
Each. — The stages or grades of hypnosis are the catalep- 
tic, the lethargic and the somnambulistic. Of the cata- 
leptic stage, the main feature is muscular immobility, the 
person assuming a statue-like attitude: eyes are open, 
lachrymation is abundantly active, and respiration is les> 
frequent than normal. The limbs remain in the same po- 
sition in which they maybe placed, but do not resist a 
change of position, tendon reflexes are absent and complete 
anaesthesia of the surface of the body obtains. Deep mus- 
cular sense and vision are partly active. Communicated 
positions of the limbs produce corresponding ideas in the 
brain. 

This state of catalepsy terminates by either a return to 
normal or by a change into the state of lethargy. 

The principal points in this state are, anaesthesia of skin 
and mucous membranes, increase of irritability of the mo- 
tor nerves, and, as a rule, non-susceptibility to suggestion. 
The eyes are closed, or half open, the body is relaxed, 
mobile, and respiration quickened, tendon reflexes are 
increased, and muscular contraction often remains until 
released by excitation of antagonistic muscles. 

By opening the eyes of the lethargic he is transferred 
into catalepsy; by closing the eyes of the cataleptic he is 
taken into lethargy. 

And a curious proof of the independence of the separate 
halves of the brain is found in the fact that the opening or 
closing of one eye in the cataleptic or lethargic state, as 
the case may be, will cause a change to occur in one-half 
of the body in accordance with the rule above stated. 

In the third, or somnambulistic state there is anaesthe- 
sia of skin and mucous membranes, and also, insensi- 
bility to pain; the senses are enormously quickened, and 
the same is true of the mental faculties. It is on persons 
in this state that suggestion works such wonders. By 
the term suggestion we understand that action by means 
of which the operator gains control over the subject ope- 
rated upon by means of some suggested action or idea. To 
illustrate: A man whose arm is to be amputated is put 
into the somnambulistic stage of hypnosis, and it is svg- 



3H0 HYPNOTISM. 

gested to him that he have no pain. The operation is 
done without pain— suggestion has done its perfect work. 
One operator suggested to his lying-in patient that she 
have no pain: she received it as a suggestion that she 
have no contractions, and labor ceased till the suggestion 
was changed. 

Its Practical Application. — That the influence of mind 
over mind, and that of mind over matter (the body), has in 
it a great potentiality for good to the physician and sur- 
geon is being realized more and more. Hypnotism is being- 
divested of the mysteries that once surrounded it, and in 
which the ,# /V*i£/*-curists" and so-called "Christian-scien- 
tists" seek yet to envelop it: its application is being 
rationally and rapidly systematized, and we have now the 
science of Suggestive Therapeutics. 

In surgery and obstetrics hypnotism has great utility, 
depending upon the anaesthesia it induces. As early as 
1829, Cloquet amputated a woman's breast without pain 
by its aid. In 1845, Loysel, of Cherebourg, made a pain- 
less amputation of the leg. Velpeau, Broca, and other 
French surgeons have made extensive use of hypnosis as 
an anodyne in their work. From 1850 to 1860, six hundred 
surgicai operations were done in the hospital at Calcutta, 
in which this agent was the only anaesthetic used. Braid, 
in England, used it in the same way. Its use is not so 
convenient as is the use of chloroform or ether, too much 
time being required to bring most patients under its influ- 
ence; hence, in this commercial age, where time has such 
a monetary value, this fact militates against hypnotic 
anaesthesia. It is infinitely more safe than either chloro- 
form or ether, a fact greatly in its favor. 

It has been used less frequently in obstetrics than in 
surgery, but it certainly has a wide field for its application 
in the former. 

In mental and nervous disease hypnotism has a more 
extensive therapeutic range. Indeed, here it seems to find 
its special" application. True, many cases of mental de- 
rangement are no doubt secondary to some functional, 
physical disease, the cure of the latter restoring the mind 
to its normal again. But we are persuaded that many 
cases of mental aberration are simply pathological states 
due to the existence of some abnormal, secondary ego, 
some perverse consciousness obstinately cherishing its 
narrow idea, which, with the normal, supreme ego in full 



ILEX. 361 

control, would be out of the field of thought and contem- 
plation, but which, in the abnormal state of things, has 
assumed supreme command of the mind, and inhibits the 
normal flow of life. Current literature is rich in its record 
of cures by hypnotic suggestion. 

The best plan seems to be to make but one suggestion at 
a time, thus attacking each hallucination singly, and 
thereby avoiding confusion. The suggestions are to be 
given loudly, definitely and precisely. Assurance is thus 
given that a certain voice, vision or fixed idea will soon 
vanish, and lo, it is gone ! 

The range of hypnotic cure among the insane is. unhap- 
pily, limited, for not all are susceptible to hypnosis: what 
per cent, we cannot ascertain. Genuine epilepsy seem> in 
bear the same relation to this agent; yet hysterical paral- 
ysis, convulsions, etc.. come readily under its therapeutic 
influence, while writer's cram]), chorea and tonic spasms 
are most readily relieved. 

Lieboult has cured a number of obstinate rases of enure- 
sis by hypnotism. Insomnia is said to be very easily cured 
by this means. Hypnosis has cured many cases of alcohol- 
ism. 

So we see that bodily suffering and bodily disease can be 
relieved by hypnosis. And not only this, but the psychical 
life of man seems equally open to its benign influence, so 
That bad habits can be overcome and depraved character 
improved. 

Hypnotism is undoubtedly a potent therapeutic force 
and deserves careful consideration and investigation at 
our hands. 

HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS 

Hyssop, 

This plant is a mild, diffusive, stimulating and relax- 
ing aromatic. In hot infusion it influences the circulation 
giving a good outward flow of blood, It is useful for the re- 
lief of colds, coughs and bronchial congestions. Inhala- 
tion of the steam is a pleasant relief in cases of coryza. 

ILEX AQUIFOLIUM AND OPACA 
'Holly. 

The leaves are a mildly stimulating and relaxing dia- 
phoretic especially when yiven in hot infusion, and are ser- 



362 INULA. 

viceable in the treatment of colds, feverishness, conges- 
tions and inflammations. 

ILEX PARAGUAYENSIS. 

Paraguay Tea. Central South America. 

The leaves and twigs are a soothing, gently stimulat- 
antispasmodic nervine. The tree is about the size of an 
orange tree or a little larger and its leaves remain green 
throughout the year. It is a favorite beverage among the 
people of Chili, Bolivia, Peru and Southern Brazil. From 
some of these nations it is a large and valuable export. An 
effort has been made to cultivate this tree but not with 
great success. It is more productive in its wild state. 

It has a pleasant aroma due to the presence of a volatile 
oil. It is best in hot infusion, and as a beverage it is su- 
perior to Chinese tea. It is more diuretic than coffee and 
fully as stimulating as tea, but is more soothing and quiet- 
ing to the nerves than either of them. It allays thirst, re- 
lieves hunger, promotes digestion, and stimulates the ner- 
vous system producing refreshing sleep. 

A hot infusion may be used in feverish conditions, in 
the eruptive fevers, in pleurisy and in insomnia and gen- 
eral nervousness. 

IMPATIENS PALLIDA. 
Wild Celandine. 

This herb is a stimulating and relaxing alterative influ- 
encing the mucous membrane and the secernents through- 
out. It is of some service in jaundice, dropsy, some forms 
of indigestion, hemorrhoids, tetter, ringworm and other 
eczema. 

The fresh herb bruised and applied to the surface is said 
to be a cure for rattlesnake bite. 

INULA HELENIUM. 
-Elecampane. 

The root is a gently stimulating tonic to the mucous 
membrane. It is a warming, strengthening, cleansing and 
toning agent to the gastric, alvine and pulmonary mucous 
membrane, and is very serviceable in catarrhal conditions 
of the bronchi, and catarrhal dyspepsia. It is better suit- 
ed to chronic than acute cases. It is an excellent addition 
to cough syrups. 






iris. 363 

In hot infusion its stimulating power gives a good out- 
ward circulation. 

Elix. inula Hel. oz. i 

Verbascum Thap. 

" Polygala Senega aa. oz. iss 
Tr. Lobelia oz i 

Dr. F. (r. Hoener says administer this every 15 or 20 
minutes till relieved, in cases of pseudo-membranous 
croup. 

[POMEA JALAPA. 
,/alap- 

Tbe root is a stimulating cathartic in ordinary doses in 
from three to six hours. Large doses produce more or less 
griping and watery stools. In combination with zingiber 
the griping may to a great extent be prevented. In com- 
bination with zingiber and senna it forms a good antibil- 
ious physic. 

F. E. Ipomea Jal. dr. iii 

Cassia Acut. dr. iv 

Syr. Zingiber. q. s. oz. iv 

M.S. Teaspoonf ul or less at night To overcome consti- 
pation. 

IRIS VERSICOLOR. 

Blue Flag. 

The root is a positive alterative. Its influence extends 
to the whole glandular system and the lymphatics. 

In hot infusion it stimulates a good free outward circu- 
lation. 

Cold preparations unite freely influence the liver, gall 
ducts and bowels. Large doses are unite cathartic, and 
arc somewhat nauseating. Its influence is best as an 
alterant and when combined with other alterants. 

It is a most desirable agent in secondary syphilis, scrof- 
ula, skin diseases, mercurial cachexia, dropsy, chronic 
rheumatism and chronic liver troubles. Its best influence 
is seen in chronic, torpid conditions. 

The fluid extract may be used for all the general pur- 
poses of the root. 

It gives good results in chronic constipation, and it is 
said to give good results in goitre. 



3()4 JATROPHA. 

F. E. Taraxacum D. L. dr. iii 

" Eryngium Yuc. dr. iv 

" Iris Vers. dr. ii 

Syr. Zingiber. q. s. oz. iv 

M. S. Teaspocmful three to five times daily for dropsy. 
F. E, Iris Vers. 
" Smilax Off. 
" Rumex Crisp. 
" -Arctium Sern. aa. dr. ii 

" Xanthox. Carol. gtta xx 

Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv 

This forms a good alterant for glandular and skin 
troubles. 

This is an excellent addition to liver medicines, espe- 
cially when there is more or less impurity of blood and a 
sluggishness of the circulation. 

It is valuable in rheumatism from specific cause. When 
there are irritable conditions this is not the agent to be 
used. 

F. E. Iris Versi. dr. vi 

u Hydrastis Cau. dr. iv 

" Chelone Glab. dr. v 

" Xanthoxylum Frax. dr. ii 
Syr. Simplex ad. oz. xvi 

This has been successful in uterine fibroids. 
Irisln is the resinoid and does quite well. It stimulates 
the lymphatics, absorbents, skin and kidneys. It is a 
powerful hepatic and stimulating alterant in the treat- 
ment of scrofula, syphilis, gonorrhoea, dropsy, rheumatism, 
glandular swellings, eruptions of the skin, affections of 
the liver and spleen, and wherever there is a low condition 
of the excretives. 

JATROPHA MACRORHIZA. 

Jicama. Southern States and Northern Mexico. 

This plant grows to be about a foot high, and has a 
short, thick, tuberous root, which is a pleasant, compara- 
tively tasteless cathartic. In large doses it may prove 
drastic and emetic, especially so if the green root be used. 
These symptoms may be to some extent prevented by the 
addition of zingiber or mentha piperita. It is both hep- 
atic and cholagogue and need only be used in small doses. 
It operates in from three to five hours according to the 






JUGLANS. 365 

JEFFERSONIA D1PHYLLA. 

Twin Leaf. 

The root is a rather pungent, bitter, stimulating and 
relaxing alterant. 

It influences the mucous membrane and in hot infusion 
it indues a good outward circulation and relieves the 
secernents and the glandular system in general. 

It is quite stimulating and relieves a torpid condition of 
the mucous membra ne, and is sui'able to catarrhal condi- 
tions. 

With agents that influence the bronchi it stimulates to 
expectoration. With agents that influence the uterine 
discharge it increases the monthly. Its action may thus 
be also guided toward the kidneys. 

It is a very valuable alterant to be used in the treatment 
of rheumatism. Or. F. G. Hoener says that he has suc- 
cessfully used it for twenty-five years in cases of rheumat- 
ic fever, acute rheumatism, cerebral and chronic rheuma- 
tism. 

It is also valuable in mercurial rheumatism, mercurial 
cachexia and atonic amenorrhcea, and it may be added to 
cough syrups when the treatment is for scrofulous or con- 
sumptive cases. 

F. E. Jeffersonia Diph. 
' ; Mitch el la Rep. aa. dr. iii 

44 Liriodendron Tul. 
''' Taraxacum D. L. aa. dr. ii 
Syr. Zingiber. q. s. oz. iv 

This is an excellent alterant where a female tonic is 
also indicated. 

F. E. Jeffersonia Diph. 
" Di centra Ex. 
" Phytolacca Bac. 
" Euonymous At. aa. dr. ii 

Syr. Zingiber. q. s. oz. iv 

This is an excellent stimulating alterant. 
An infusion of jeffersonia is a good wash for sore mouth 
and as a wash for the treatment of indolent ulcers. 

JUGLANS CINEREA. 
Butternut, White Walnut. 

The inner bark of the root is more active than that of 
the trunk, but both are used. It yields its properties to 



360 JUGLANS. 

boiling water except' its astringency, which property is 
yielded when alcohol is the menstruum used instead of 
boiling water. 

Juglans is an active stimulating hepatic and cathartic. 
It relieves the portal system, disgorges the liver and 
cleanses the bowels. For catharsis it usually takes from 
four to eight hours according to the dose given. 

Juglans cinerea tones the entire alvine mucous mem- 
brane, but especially that of the lower bowels, influencing 
peristalsis. The alcoholic fluid extract may profitably be 
used in diarrhoea and dysentery. It cleanses the surface 
and leaves the parts toned and astringed. The aqueous 
extract being free from this astringency may be used to 
relieve chronic constipation. It is in this sphere one of 
the most valuable preparations. In relieving the portal 
circulation it also relieves hemorrhoids and rectal hemor 
rhages. 

In dysentery in small doses it cleanses the bowels, re- 
lieves the portal circulation, and tones the mucous mem- 
brane. 

New Milk qrt. i 

Good Vinegar tablespoonsful 2 to 4 
Let it come to a boil. Don't let them eat anything elst. 
This makes a vinegar whey and add juglans and zingiber 
to suit in cases of diarrhoea. 

F. E. collinsonia can. may be added to syr. juglans in 
the treatment of hemorrhoids and is very valuable in the 
treatment of rectal hemorrhages. 

Solid Extract Juglans Cin. grs. iii 

Capsicum Powd. gr. ss 

may be given at bed-time for chronic diarrhoea; or give 

h. E. Juglans Cin. dr. ii 

" Cornus Flor. dr. iv 

Tr. Myrrh dr. i 

Syr, Zingiber. q. s. oz. iv 

M. S. Teaspoonful at bed-time. 

To prepare the syrup of juglans gather your bark from 
the fifth to the twentieth of April in this climate. It is 
then strongest. Crush or chop fine. Then boil till quite 
strong and pour off and cover a second and third time to 
completely exhaust the strength of the drug. Then boil 
all together and evaporate to three-fourths of equality of 
one pint per pound of bark. Then for each twelve ounces 
add alcohol two ounces and sugar four ounces. A small 



JUGLANS. mi 

proportion of the fluid extract of zingiber may be added 
now or when prescribed. 

The Syrup Juglans Cin. as kept in stock by Dr. C. T. Bed- 
ford, made from fresh selected bark and gathered in proper 
season, according to the formula and practical experience 
of Prof, G. N. Davidson is the best and most effectual form 
in which this valuable agent can be given, combining as 
it does, all the desirable qualities, viz: Reliability, Cheap- 
ness and Pleasant Taste. For which it has become favorably 
known throughout the United States from the Atlantic to 
the Pacific, from the Lake to the the Gulf. 

This preparation is made as above noted by one of the 
most reliable of pharmacists, and in itself is susceptible 
of a very wide range of application. 

In small and lrequent doses it may even be used in ty- 
phoid fever. 

It is well adapted to the treatment of skin eruptions. 
It is a tonic to both mucous membrane and dermoid tissue 
and slightly increases the action of the kidneys. It is one 
of the most valuable agents in the whole materia medica. 
It relieves the liver, proves gently cathartic and leaves the 
bowels soluble and toned. These are qualities that can be 
accorded to but few agents. By the use of this agent the 
fieces become more or less darkened. 

The fluid extract alcoholic may be used in combination 
with comp. syr. rhei et potassse in the treatment of diar- 
rhoea and dysentery in either adults or children. 

Ess. Mentha Pip. gtta. ii 

F. E. Hydrastis Can. dr. i 

Bicarb. Potas. dr. ss 

Syr. Juglans q. s. oz. iv 

This is an alkaline, tonic, hepatic and cathartic valuable 
in chronic constipation and other atonic conditions of the 
alvine mucous membrane when there is a tendency to gas- 
tric acidulation. .Juglans cinerea is a most excellent 
alterative. 

The oil may be used as an application to irritable sores. 
It is best triturated with glycerine or vaseline. 

JUGLANS NIGRA. 

Black- Walnut. 
The leaves are a gently stimulating tonic to the mucous 



368 JUNIPER. 

membrane, especially of the generative organs. They also 
form an excellent fomentation for applying to inflamed 
and congested surfaces, frozen limbs, or congested lungs. 

The bark is used very successfully in catarrh, leucor- 
rhoea, prolapsus uteri, relaxed vagina, etc. The fluid 
extract may be incorporated with vaseline and used with 
a brush or atomizer in case of nasal catarrh. 

A salve made of walnut hulls boiled in cosmoline is ;i 
favorite application in cases of eczema rubrum. 

The oil is excellent in cases of purulent ophthalmia 
acute and chronic. It cures quite rapidly and scarcely 
ever disappoints. It is one of the best agents for applica- 
tion to children who become excoriated from urine. If 
you get a»ll the black out of the hull of the walnut and use 
for this purpose it is good. It will smart the eyes but 
little, and may be used for the same general purposes as 
the oil. 

JUNIPERUS COMMUNIS. 
efun iper. 

Theberries are a stimulating diuretic, suitable to tor- 
pid conditions of the renal apparata. It increases the flow 
of urine and somewhat influences the uterine function in 
sluggish conditions. In typhoid fever, dropsy, cystic ca- 
tarrh, renal congestions, but it is not best in irritated 
conditions except in combination with eupatorium purpu- 
reum in excess. 

The oil very much resembles the berries in properties 
and may be used for the same general purposes. With 
vaseline or glycerine it forms a good wash for irritated 
surfaces. 
The fluid extract is a good preparation. 
F. E. Juniperus Com. 

" Eupatorium Furpur. aa. oz. ss 
Syr. Zingiber. oz. i 

This forms an excellent diuretic. 

JUNIPERUS SARINA. 
Savine. 

The twigs and leaves are a powerful stimulating diu- 
retic and emmenagogue. The pregnant should not use 
this agent at all. It is too irritating for internal use, but 
the oil may be incorporated with other ingredients and 
used upon the surface where a powerful stimulant is re- 



KRAMERIA. 36ft 

quired. When used by itself upon the surface of those 
who are thin skinned it will blister. 

JUNIPERUS VIRGINIANA. 
Bed Cedar. 

The leives contain an essential oil which is obtained by 
distillation. It forms an excellent application for sprains 
and bruises, painful and swollen joints. Internally, tritu- 
rated on lactin, it is a stimulating diuretic. 

KALMIA LATIFOLIA. 
Mountain Laurel. 

The leaves are a mild stimulating and relaxing alterant 
especially influencing the glandular system. 
F. E. Kalmia Lat. 
" Euonymous Atr. aa. dr iii 
" Dicentra Ex. dr. i 

" Menispermum Can. dr. ii 
" Xanthoxylum Carol. gtta. xv 
Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv 

M. S. Teaspoonful three or four times a day for skin 
diseases, secondary syphilis, scrofula and glandular swell- 
ings. 

An infusion of kalmia may be used for rheumatism or 
other conditions indicating irritation of the serous mem- 
brane. 

The fluid extract is a good preparation and may be used 
Whenever the agent is needed. 

KRAMERIA IXINA. 

Rhatany. 

The bark contains a large proportion of tannic acid. 

The root is a mild, pleasant, soothing, stimulating and 
diffusive, astringent tonic. Though stimulating it is not 
irritating to the mucous membrane. It is somewhat dry- 
ing but not intensely so. 

In the treatment of leucorrhoea, prolapsus uteri and 
vaginal relaxation it is a valuable wash. 

It is of much service applied to bleeding surfaces, and 
internally it is valuable for the relief of hemorrhage, 
whether it be of the gastric, intestinal, uterine or respira- 
tory organs. 

Locally it is an excellent application for spongy gums, 
mercurial sore mouth, it is also of excellent service in 
the treatment of diarrhoea and in dysentery acute or 



TJO LARIX. 

chronic, and in typhoid fever it is frequently of service. 

LACTUCA SATIVA. 
Garden Lettuce. 

This plant is a soothing nervine, whether used as an 
edible or in the form of an inspissated juice. It is also 
soothing to the mucous membrane of the gastric and alvine 
banal. It is pleasant in an irritated or ulcerated stomach 
and is useful in an irritable dyspepsia. 

It is very soothing and quieting to an irritated condition 
of the nervous system. 

Insp. lactuca may be combined with scutelaria and lupu- 
lin and used with good results, or the following may be 
used as a nervine of much value: 
Insp. Lactuca 

F. E. Humulus aa. 2| 

" Scutelaria 
•' Cypripedium aa. 5i 

LAM1LTM ALBUM. 
Blind Nettle. Europe, Asia. North Africa. 

The flowers are a powerful haemostatic. It is of espe- 
cial importance in the treatment of bronchial hemorrhage, 
in the coughing of blood, in uterine hemorrhage and in 
dysentery. 

In metrorrhagia the fluid extract of the blossoms may be 
combined with some aromatic syrup and given every half 
hour until the hemorrhage ceases. It may then be given 
every four hours or as required. 

LARTX AMERICANA. 

Tajnarac. 

The bark is a mild, stimulating and relaxing alterant, 
influencing chiefly the skin ;md secernents. It is best in 
acute and inflammatory forms of blood and skin diseases. 
It is not suitable for the treatment of depressed cases. 
except in combination with more stimulating agents, as 
iris, dicentra or smilax. 

F. E. Larix Am. dr. iii 

•' Iris Vers. 

Dicentra Ex. 
" Smilax Sar. aa. dr. ii 

Xanthoxylum Car. gtta. xv 

Syr. Simplex q. s oz. iv 



LAUKUS. 371 

M. S. Teaspoon ful from three to six times a day. This 
is a valuable alterant. 

LAURUS CAMPHORA. 
Camphor. 

The camphor evergreen is native to Japan and South- 
eastern Asia. The leaves, stems and trunk yield a so-called 
guni which is put through a principle of purification. It 
is very volatile arid will evaporate if exposed to the air. 
To obtain it in tine powder it must be triturated on mag- 
nesia, lactin or sugar, fcamphor is not really a gum; but a 
concrete oil rriore or less solidified. It has a penetrating 
fragrance and a bitter, pungent taste. 

Camphor is antispasmodic and rather soothing to the 
uervous system. 

Aqua camphora is made by either of the following form- 
ulas: 






Camphor 


dr. ii 


Alcohol 


gtta. xl 


Carbonate Magnesia 


dr. iv 


Aqua 


pts. ii 


Or 




Camphor 


dr. ss 


Alcohol 


dr. vi 



Shake these till dissolved, and add by trituration, subse- 
quently filter: 

Carb. Magnesia dr. iss 

Aqua dr. xxvi 

One or two grains of camphor will relieve after-pains, or 
better; the water of champhor may be given. Yet it is 
not the best thing to be given. 
Locally it allays muscular soreness. 



OL Olivae 


4 


Laurus Canipli. dissolved 


1 


Dr 




Laurus Camph. 


oz. i iss 


Oil Lavender 


dr. i 


Alcohol 45 p. c. 


oz. xvii 



Either of the above formula; is a good application for 
bruises, sprains or sore muscles. 
The following is a soothing liniment: 
Laurus Camph. oz. i 

Oil Rosemary 
" Origanum aa. dr; i 



2 


LATJKUS. 


Alcohol 


Pt. \ 


Castile Soap 


oz. iii 


Or 




Laurus Cam ph. 


oz. iiiss 


Oil Sassafras 




;i Cedar 




Tr. Guaiacum 


aa. oz. i 


" Capsicum 


oz. ii 


Alcohol 


pts. iv 


Or 




Sp to. Camphor 


oz. ii 


" Origanum 




" Sassafras 


aa. dr. ii 


" Turpentine 


oz. ss 


Or 




Spts. Camphor 


oz. ii 


Tr. Capsicum 


oz. i 


" Guaiacum 


oz. ss 


Alcohol 


oz. iii 


Or 




Spts. Camphor 


dr. iv 


" Ammonia 




Oil Sassafras 




Turpentine 


aa. dr. ii 


Oil Cloves 


dr. i 



Apply the following for winter eczema: 

Gum Camphor 

Oil Origanum 

Oil Cloves aa. equal parts in vaseline. 
To assist in stopping the flow of milk apply to the 
breasts a few times, 

Gum Camphor oz. ss 

Turpentine oz. iii 

The ordinary spirits of camphor is made of gum camphor 
one ounce to eight ounces of 45 p. c. alcohol. 

Camphor, sugar and acacia in equal parts is camphor 
powder. 
Camphor ice is made as follows: 

Camphor oz. ii 

Almond Oil oz. xvi 

Dissolve these and melt together 

Spermaceti 

White Wax aa. dr. i 

While cooling add 



LAVENDULA. 373 

Oil Rosemary dr. i 

Rose Water oz. xvi 

This is an excellent application. 

Camphor inhaled through the nostrils soothes and stim- 
ulates the brain and relieves oppression. 

Dr. C. B. Riggs recommends the following for toothache: 
Tr. Camphor Gum dr. vi 

Oil Sassafras dr. li 

M. Sig. Bathe the gums frequently and fill the decayed 
tooth with a pledget of cotton saturated with the above 
compound. When this fails to relieve the aching allow 
the dentist to extract the tooth or if possible till it. The 
tincture of camphor should be a saturated tincture with 
absolute alcohol. 

Spts. Camphor 1 

Aqua Ammonia 2 

Kerosene Oil 4 

This will be found valuable for sprains. 

LAVENDULA VERA. 
Lavender. 

The flowers are a relaxing and stimulatiug, soothing 
nervine. It is an antispasmodic and useful in nervous 
restlessness and the irritation or depression therefrom. 

It also forms a good adjuvant for the administering of 
other agents. 

The oil may be used for the same geueral purposes, and 
is best used when triturated on lactin or magnesia. 
Lavendiila Vera oz. iss 

Cinnamonum Cas. 
Zingiber. Off. 
Leonurus Card. 

Pimpinella Anisum aa. oz. ss 

This forms an excellent compound for faintcess, palpita- 
tion, shock, fright, colic or hysteria. It is best adminis- 
tered in hot water. 



Oil Lavender 




* ; Lemon 


aa. dr. vi 


" Rosemary 


dr. ii 


" Cinnamon 


gtta. xx 


Alcohol 98 per cent. 


qrts. ii 



This is a good cologne for the sick room. 



4 


LEONURUS, 


Oil Lavender 


M. 245 


" Rosemary 
Cassia Cin. 


M. «1 

oz, n 


Cloves 


oz! i 


Nutmeg 




Red Saunders 


aa. oz, i 


f)r 




Oil Lavender 




Nutmeg 




Cinnamon 


a a. grs. 300 


Oil Rosemary 


M. 20 


Red Sandal 


grs. 600 



Either of these form ulae make good adjuvants for the 
Hd ministering of bitter medicines. 

LEONURUS CARDIACA. 
.Motherwort. • 

This fierb is a pleasant, reliable, diffusive, stimulating 
and relaxing, antispasmodic nervine. It influences the 
mucous membrane, especially that of the pelvic organs. 

A hot infusion promotes a good outward circulation, in- 
creases the menstrual flow. It is useful in amenorrhoea 
and in dysmenorrhea when congestion is present, and in 
hysteria and palpitation when the patient is more or less 
ehlorotic. 

Leon tin dr. ii 

Elixir Wahoo 

Syr. Pepsin aa. oz. ii 

M. S. One teaspoonfui after, eating and one he fore 
retiring for amenorrhoea. 

A cold infusion is a gojd tonic, improving the appetite, 
assisting digestion, and is somewhat a tonic diuretic. 

This is not a proper agent for the pregnant to use, nor 
for those given to too free menstruation In case of after- 
pains when the lochia is quite scanty this agent may be 
used to advantage. 

In anaemic and chlorotic nervousness, palpitation, rest- 
lessness and insomnia it is one of those mild agents that 
may be used to great advantage as well as for the relief of 
the aching back and pelvis in case of tardy menstruation, 
F. E. Leonurus Card. 
" Dioscorea Vil. aa. dr. iii 

" Caulophyllum Thai. dr. ii 

Syr. ZJngiberis q. s. o», iv 



LJfiPTANDRA 375 

This is a good diffusive antispasmodic in cases of dys- 
menorrhea. 

V. E. Leonurus Card. 
" Senecio Aur. 

" Mitchella Rep. aa. dr. iii 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good nervine tonic for the chlorotic. 
F. E. Leonurus Card. 
" Arctium Lap. Sem. aa. dr. iii 
Xanthoxylum Frax^ dr. ss 
Menispermum Can. dr. ii 
Syr. Simp. q. s. oz. iv 

This may be used by the chlorotic who have some scrof- 
ulous or other impurity of the blood current. 
F. E. Leonurus Card. dr. iii 

Ferri et Pot. Tart, grs. x 

Hydrastia Sulph. gr. ss 

F. E. Taraxacum D. L. dr. iv 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This may be used where there is more or less failure of 
gastric and intestinal digestion. In cases of nervous pros- 
tration scutelaria may be added in small quantities. 

LEPTANDRA VIHGIN1CA. 
Culver's Boot. (Veronica Virginiea. 

The root is a mild, slow but persistent relaxing hepatic. 
It is very slightly stimulating. Its chief influence is ex- 
erted upon the liver tubuli rather than upon the gall cyst. 
It assists in the secretion rather than in the excretion of 
bile. In fact it seems to exert but little influence in the 
latter direction without being combined with some suit- 
able agent. Whenever mild, persistent, relaxing hepatic 
influence is needed this agent is reliable and may be used 
both internally and externally. But when used externally 
it should be combined with an equal portion of capsicum. 
Thus combined it may be made into an excellent liver pad. 

Leptandra, apocynum and. and capsicum in equal parts 
forms a good liver pad. This should be occasionally moist- 
ened with the fluid extracts or tinctures of the same. 

Leptandra is quite nauseating tu some stomachs in some 
conditions. In such cases the pad or the application of 
the fluid extracts is an excellent substitute. 

In ai^ute febrile cjnditions it is best to combine leptan- 
dra with m >re stimulating agents, and in jaundice this 



37 6 LEPTANDRA 

must always be the case, especially if the gall be somewhat 
solidified. Preparations of the green root are more cathar- 
tic than those of the dry root. As a rule leptandra is not 
a cathartic, yet its relaxing influence is felt upon the whole 
alvine nricous membrane and through this relaxation of 
the alvine membrane it dislodges viscid mucous and occa- 
sional doses are valued for this cleansing cause in cases of 
diarrhoea and dysentery. When used as a physic large 
doses must be given. 

In cholera infantum small doses given once or twice a 
day will cleanse the alvine canal of viscid mucous and 
assist in the proper secretion of bile, and indirectly by its 
relaxing influence may also relieve the gall cyst, and thus 
create a healthy flow of bile, and a healthy condition of 
the alvine mucous membrane. 

In nearly all febrile conditions it is needed, though it is 
usually best when combined with some diffusive or chola- 
gogue. If it is to be used alone it is best in acute rather 
than in chronic cases, when it is a necessity that it be 
combined with more stimulating agents. 

In chronic constipation in cases of hepatic failure lep- 
tandra may be used, but is best with agents more stimu- 
lating and those more cholagogue. 

Leptandrin dr. ss 

Oil Capsicum gtta. x 

Lactin dr. ii 

Trit. Mnke into twenty-rive powders. This is a valu- 
able hepatic, 

Leptandrin 

Podophyllin aa. gr. i 

Capsicum 

Apocynin aa, gr. ss 

This may be taken in capsule once or twice a day in 
cases of torpor or congestion o! the liver. 

In typhoid fever more or less capsicum is needed in 
small and frequent doses with all hepatics. 

Leptandra in combination with some alterants will be 
found valuable in the treatment of skin eruptions. 

F. E. Leptandra Virg. dr. vi 

" Hydrastis Can. dr. ss 

" Gkmtiana Och. gtta, xv 

Syr. Zingrberis q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good tonic hepatic. 






LIATRIS. 377 

F. E. Leptandra Virg. dr. vi 

" Apocynum And. dr. ss 

Syr. Zingiberis oz. iv 

This will influence both sides of the liver about equally. 
F. E. Leptandra Virg. dr. vi 

" Podophyllin gr. ii 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This will favorably influence both secreting and excret- 
ing functions of the liver. 

F. E. Leptandra Virg. dr. iii 

Euonymous Atr. dr. ii 

'• Taraxacum D. L. dr. iv 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This is a gentle hepatic tonic and forms an excellent 
base which may be influenced by various other agents. 
Leptandrin grs. 1 1-4 

Juglandin 

Euonymin aa. gr. 3-4 

Apocynin 

Sodae Bicarb. aa gr. 1-16 

Ol. lies. Capsici gtta. 1-40 

Ol. Mentha Pip. gtta. 1-20 

This forms the famous Stimson Physio-Medical Pill, 
hepatic and cathartic. 

Lepta»drin gr. 1 

Podophyllin gr. i 

Irisin gr. i 

This forms a good cholagogue, hepatic and alterant. 

LIATRIS ODORATTSSIMA. 

Deer Tongue. 

This is a stimulating, astringent tonic, influencing 
chiefly the mucous membrane. It is valuable in the check- 
ing of rectal hemorrhages and in dysentery and diarrhoea. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation. Its hepatic 
action is also well marked. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the use of this agent in 
cases of abscesses of the liver and in miliary consumption. 

LIATRIS SPICATA. 

Button Snake-root. 

The root is an aromatic, diffusive, stimulating and relax- 
ing diuretic, increasing the flow of urine and relieving 
irritation. 



.'U» LINUM. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation, gives a good 
outward flow of blood, soothes the peripheral nerves and 
the uterus, and is somewhat diaphoretic. 

Jt is a good antispasmodic and may be used to relieve 
colic, after-pains and dysmenorrhea, especially where 
there is a deficient flow. 

In hot infusion it is valuable in the fever stage of erup- 
tive diseases. It is quite diffusive and maintains a good 
capillary circulation. 

Used locally and internally it is recommended for the 
elimination of snake virus, and also for weak sores and 
chancres. In cases of renal debility or renal and cystic 
congestion it gives favorable results. 

LINDERA BENZOIN. 

Spice-bush. 

The bark and berries are a mild diffusive, relaxing and 
stimulating diaphoretic. In hot infusion it may be used 
for the relief of colds and in the eruptive diseases. In re- 
lieving the circulation it also soothes and gently stimu- 
lates'the nervous sysiem and is valuable in the acute stage 
of rheumatism, gonorrhoea and syphilis. 

LINUM USITATISSIMUM. 
Flax. 

The seed are an excellent soothing demulcent, stimu- 
lating and toning agent to the mucous membrane of the 
alvine, respiratory and urinary tracts and is valuable for 
the relief of irritated and inflamed conditions. 

When needed for the respiratory tract, it relieves irrita- 
tion and promotes expectoration. In hot infusion it may 
be used for the relief of recent colds and coughs. For such 
conditions it is best made in syrup form. 

When needed for the alvine tract it may be used cold. 
Ln dysentery, diarrhoea and cholera infantum it soothes, 
heals and tones. 

When requirer 1 for the urinary tract it soothes and re- 
lieves irritation, but its influence will be more marked 
when combined with more positive diuretics. 

After the oil has to a great extent been pressed out of 
the ground seed what is left is denominated oil meal. 
This is frequently used as a poultice. In bronchitis and 
pneumonia it forms an excellent poultice for the lungs. 



LJPPIA, 37f> 

It may be frequently moistened with lobelia, verbascum 
and capsicum combined as desired. 

For boils and abscesses it is best combined with ulmus, 

The raw oilis valuable for many purposes, internally in 
sufficient doses it will prove cathartic. 

Combined with pulverized ulmus it is a most valuable 
preparation for the covering of burns. I have always had 
the very best of results witlj its use. Never allow the surr 
face to become uncovered untill thoroughly healed. It will 
do its work without leaving any marks, no difference how 
deep the wound, wipe off any puss that may be present and 
remove dead flesh and then cover again with this prepara- 
tion. The results of gunpowder accidents I have frequent- 
ly removed with the same. Of course nervines, cathartics, 
hepatics or alteratives may be added as needed by the con- 
stitution. 

An excellent flaxseed tea is made as follows:— 
Flax seed 
Rock Candy aa oz. viii 

To which add three lemons pared and sliced. Then add 
fwo quarts of boiling water, and cool and strain. 

Dr. C. B. Riggs recommends the following ( (German 
Liniment ) for burns. 
Linseed Oil (raw) 
Turpentine aa oz. xvi 

Sulphuric Acid C. P. oz. i 

Mix the oil and the turpentine thoroughly. Put this 
mixture into an earthen crock and add the sulphuric acid 
very slowly, a few drops at a time, then allow to stand 
twenty - four hours until all the precipitate has formed 
and pour off and retain the supernatant fluid only. 

Keep the burned surface wet with this liniment. The 
surface may be covered with gauze or cheese cloth and 
thus kept saturated. This forms an antiseptic covering 
to exclude the air. If desirable some agreeable perfume 
may be added. The Doctor says, this is the best thing for 
burns that he has ever used, and that he has had remark- 
able results with it. having healed some very extensive 
burns without ulceration or scar. He gives credit to Dr. 
P. Holt for this formula. 

L1PPIA MEXICANA. 

(Lippia Dulcis.) Cuba, Central America, Columbia. 
Tli is is a creeping shrub covered with minute glandular 



■IS® LIRIODENDRON. 

hairs. It blossoms from November till March. 

The leaves and stalks are gathered during the flowering 
season or shortly after. It has an agreeable sweetish taste 
and is slightly demulcent. It is a pleasant, prompt, stim- 
ulating and relaxing, demulcent alterant. It influences 
the respiratory mucous membrane and is a valuable expec- 
torant. Large doses may be followed by nausea and vom- 
iting. 

Care must be taken to have a fresh article. It contains 
a volatile oil called lippiol, the absence of which renders 
the agent more or less inert. Much heat must not be used 
in the extracting~Of its virtues. % 

The aqueous extract is devoid of astriugency. 

In hot infusion it relieves colds, loosens catarrhal secre- 
tions, increases expectoration and relieves soreness of the 
throat and is excellent in the treatment of la grippe. It 
quickly allays an irritating cough, and is very useful in 
acute and chronic bronchitis, catarrhal fever, catarrhal 
phthisis and night sweats. It tones the respiratory mu- 
cous membrane and cleanses it of excessive mucous. 

LIQUIDAMBER STYRACIFLUA. 
Sweet Gum. 

From incisions made in thp bark of this Southern tree 
flows a nearly transparent aromatic balsam. Its volatile 
oil is more or less evaporated upon drying. This resinous 
yumis warming and moderately stimulating and relaxing. 

Combined with olive oil or vaseline it forms an ointment 
for ringworm, scald head, tetter and other irritations of 
the skin. It rarely fails to cure scabies and is a valuable 
application for old sores, hemorrhoids and ulcers. Inter- 
nally it may be used in gleet and other excessive discharges. 

The bark is a mildly stimulating agent and may be used 
freely in gonorrhoea, cystic catarrh, dysentery and diarrhoea. 

LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA. 
Tulip-Tree. 

The inner bark of the trunk and roots is a mild, bitter, 
aromatic, relaxing and very gently stimulating alterant 
and nervine. 
■ The green bark is much more positive than the dry. 

This, agent influences the mucous membrane, the secern- 
ents, the nervous system and the generative organs. It 



LIRIODENDRON. H81 

improves the appetite, assists digestion and is somewhat 
laxative to the bowels. 

In convalescence it is a mild nervine tonic and is grate- 
ful to the stomach. 

It is especially soothing and toning to the generative 
organs and is a valuable agent to be used in the treatment 
of nervous irritability, hysteria and the irritations some- 
times incident to pregnancy. 

In influencing the generative system it also influences 
the urinary membrane and very gently increases the flow 
of urine. 

In combination with such agents as aralia racemosa. 
Symphytum or prunus it influences the respiratory organs 
and to cough syrups it adds an excellent nervine influence. 
F. E. Liriodendron Tulip. 
" Aralia Rac. 
• k Symphytum Off. 



'.' Inula Hel. aa. dr. i 




Syr. Prunus q. s. oz. iv 




This is a good cough syrup. 




F. E. Liriodendron Tul. dr. vii 




•' Hydrastis Can. dr. ss 




Syr. Aurantium Cort. q. s. oz. iv 




This is a good nervine tonic. 




F. E.' Liriodendron T. dr. iii 




Caulophyllum Th. 




. " Leonurus Card. 




Viburnum Op. a a. dr. i 




" Sencio Au. dr. ii 




Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 




This is useful in dysmenorrhcea. 




F. E. Liriodendron Tul. oz. ss 




Valeriana Off. 




Caulophyllum Th. aa. dr. i 




Xanthoxylum gtta. x 




Tr. Anisum dr. i 




This forms a good nervine tonic, and so 


i> the following: 



F. E. Liriodendron dr. iv 
Convallaria Mult. 

Euonymous xVt. a a. dr, ii 
Hydrastis Can. 

•• Scutelaria Lat. aa. dr. ss 

Syr. Aurantium Cort. oz. i 

•' Zingiberis oz. iv 



382 LOBELIA. 

LOBELIA INFLATA. 

Lobelia. 

The herb and seed are relaxant with a moderate degree 
of diffusive stimulation. More especially in the seed we 
find an extractive and a volatile oil . It is best gathered 
when about half ripe, but you will find trie plant good at 
any time of its growth. 

Much heat will injure it. To prepare an infusion use a 
sufficient quantity of boiling water and allow it to stand 
covered. The seed will not readily yield their properties 
Unless well crushed. 

To extract the inspissated juice it must be gathered 
green and tieavily pressed. 

When the herb is put up to dry it should be placed upon 
its root end so as to prevent losing the seed out of the cap- 
sules. When once thoroughly dry it should be packed in a 
close box; or the better way is to make a fluid extract of 
the fresh herb For ordinary use this is strong enough, 

Lobelia is a relaxant to the mucous, serous, nervous and 
muscular structures. It influences the glandular system, 
the fauces and the respiratory tubuli. It increases the 
flow of saliva; relaxes, cleanses and tones the mucous 
membrane throughout. To the fauces it is acrid and to 
the gastric membrane it is nauseating. If small doses be 
given at regular intervals it will bring the whole body 
under its influence, add a condition known as *'the alarm" 
produced. Its influence then is complete on the capilla- 
ries, the nerve peripheries, the general circulation, and 
the muscular and glandular systems. In certain acute 
conditions it relieves the tension of the circulation, estab- 
lishes the functions of the skin, relaxes the secernents, 
and relieves the liver, kidneys and bowels. 

Lobelia is one of the greatest equalizers of the circula- 
tion and gives a full outward flow of blood. Its influence 
reaches every organ and almost if not quite every tissue of 
the body, and hence wherever a relaxing influence is 
needed it will be felt. Medically therefore its range is 
wide, especially in acute troubles. In influencing the cir- 
culation it also influences the nerves, sympathetic, central 
and spinal. 

The muscles thoroughly feel its relaxing power and it 
becomes one of the best aids in surgery requiring 1 relaxa- 
tion, especially in dislocations* 









LOBELIA. 383 

Lobelia is abused by Physio-Medicalists more by leaving 
it out of their prescriptions than in any other way. 

It is of great service in croup, pneumonia, bronchitis, 
pleuritis, hepatitis, peritonitis, nephritis, phrenitis, otitis, 
ophthalmia, rheumatism, and in nearly all the forms of 
fever. In many cases it is best to add some asclepias and 
zingiber. Such a combination will give quick relief in 
pulmonary congestions. Given in hot infusion it clears 
out the lungs wonderfully. 

Very weak persons can take emetics when they are 
needed; even an occasional emetic maybe given to con- 
sumptives. Emesis is also valuable in puerperal fever to 
certain conditions, (rive to cleanse and stop, and repeat 
only as required. 

Pound the green herb to a pulp and press out the juice 
into a shallow p -rcelain vessel and allow to evaporate 
in the sun to a thick paste and bottle for use. I have 
heard this plaster recommended as a cure for cancer, but 
it makes an excellent plaster for swollen joints, sprains. 
abscesses boils, etc. 

In the beginning of typhoid fever an emetic will prove 
serviceable in cleansing the system and equalizing the cir- 
culation. 

If necessary you can give the stimulating agents by the 
stomach and the lobelia by enema. In typhoid cases it 
takes but iittle to produce emesis. 

In the tardy appearance of the eruption in the eruptive 
diseases an emetic serves a good purpose. It equalizes the 
circulation, opens the pores and gives free vent for the 
eruption, usually all that there is in the system, and such 
cases will make good recovery. 

You will find some jaundiced cases that can retain noth- 
ing on the stomach. Give them an enem i of lobelia and 
the stomach will soon be emptied of an amount of viscid 
bile and soon be quieted. 

An emetic has frequently proven valuable in cases of 
hepatic congestion. 

In membranous croup an enema at* lobelia to move the 
bowels and produce relaxation will be of value. Give a 
strong tea of lobelia per enema and follow with a strong 
infusion per orani. P^ollow with some diffusive stimulants 
and relief will be experienced. 

The enema may also be used in order to produce emesis 
in enses of malarial fever if required. 



384 LOBELIA. 

In dislocations give small doses regularly and frequently 
and apply also locally, and it will be of great \alue in re- 
laxing the parts so that the dislocation may be the more 
readily and easily reduced. 

Locally lobelia is of great value applied to abscesses or 
erysipelas. Hydrastis may be added as needed. 

The oil of lobelia has less of the stimulating property 
and is not so likely to produce emesis. To prepare this oil 
cover the seed with 98 per cent, alcohol, shake this tinct- 
ure occasionally, and after being well saturated four or 
five days, then percolate thoroughly, adding alcohol till 
the strength is exhausted. Evaporate on a water bath 
and you have the oil. Then water can be added to the 
percolator and a strong preparation results, to which some 
glycerin may be added. This will be an excellent addition 
to cough syrups. 

The oil is best for asthma, combined as follows. It sel- 
dom fails in hay asthma: 
Oil Lobelia Infl. 

Cincho— Quinine aa. oz. i 

Sugar (granulated) oz. ii 

Dr. G. H. Mayhugh gives the following for asthma: 
Oil Lobelia 

Cinchonidia aa. dr. i. 

Sacch. Lactin oz. ii 

M. Trit. Sig. Five to ten grains everyone to three 
hours, until relief is had. Then give four times a day til! 
cured. 
Dr. F. G. Hoener gives the following for asthma: 
Syr. Scillse 
Tr. Lobelia 
F. E. Hepatica Tril. 
Syr. Bidens Bip. aa. equal parts. 
M. S. Take one dessertspoonful every hour or every 
two hours till relieved. 



Oil Lobelia 














" Zingiber. 




aa. 


gtta. iii 








Caulophyllin 














Cimicifugio 




aa. 


grs. iss 








Trit. on lactin. 


For 


hysterical cough 


give 


three 


doses 


fifteen minutes apart. 












Lobelia Infl. 






oz. ii 








Nepeta Cat. 






oz. i 









LOBELIA. 385 

Sanguinaria Can. dr. ii 

Xanthoxylum Frax. Bac. dr. i 
Add one-half pint saturated tincture of cypripedium. 
Steep in one and a-half pints of water for three hours. 
Then strain, press and add two pounds of sugar. This is a 
serviceable cough syrup for the scrofulous and anaemic. 
F. E. Lobelia Infl. dr. ii 

" Cypripedium Pub. dr. iv 

Tr. Capsicum dr. ss 

Syr. Simplex q. s oz. vi 

M. S. Terspoonful every half hour in the treatment of 
puerperal convulsions. 

In giving lobelia there will be less relaxation if capsicum 
or hydrastis be added. 

In the treatment of congestions some diffusive stimula- 
tion should b3 added. 

In cases of gastric irritation give minute doses at regu- 
lar intervals. This will allay irritation, prevent emesis, 
arrest spasmodic conditions and allay sympathetic vomit- 
ing, 

In spasmodic and membranous croup, whooping cough, 
asthma, occlusion of the gall ducts, strangulated hernia, 
rigid os uteri, hour-glass contractions and tetanus, lobelia 
has no equal. 

Emesis is a powerful arrestor of hemorrhages, whether 
from lungs, uterus or bowels. It casts out impurities and 
equalizes the circulation. 

Lobelia is best suited where and when arterial action is 
strong and when given in asthenic and more or less putres- 
cent conditions, its continuance usually should be brief, 
only sufficient to cleanse and then use a more stimulating 
treatment. 

Small doses given at regular intervals and continued for 
some time will bring on that state known as the alarm, in 
which condition we examine our patient and find him 
with a good, full, soft, steady pulse; breathing full and 
gentle; the secretions of the skin increased; the secern- 
ents are all relaxed, and the whole system is in a state of 
relaxation and rest. The patient rallies from such a con- 
dition in an hour or so. Usually this time is shortened if 
some stimulation is given or applied As a result of such 
condition the skin will be relaxed, there will be a free dis- 
charge of urine, of bile and of faeces. The nerves are 
quieted, the mucous membrane is freed of much mucous, 



<86 L0BKL1A. 

and in every way the whole system and all of its sever.il 
parts are more completely under the control of the vital 
force than they had previously been. 

In cases of convulsions, lobelia should be combined with 
caulophyllum. 

In tetanus it is best administered by enemata. Give in 
large doses a. id give until relaxation occurs, then sustain 
by appropriate stimulation. 

In cases of hemorrhage after emesis follow with astrin- 
gents. 

With ulmus it is valuable in ophthalmia as awash or 
poultice. 

In surgery it has n > equal where relaxation is needed. 
It quiets the nerves and prevents the vital force from put- 
ting forth as much inflammatory effort, 

Small enemas may be used to prevent seminal discharges 
and nocturnal erections. 

Lobelia is not best jn nervous prostration, paralysis, 
gangrene or shock. 

Lobelia Inf. 2 

Symplocarpus 

Sanguinaria aa. 1 

This may be prepared into a syrup for croup, asthma 
and nervous coughs. 
Lobelia Infl. 

Capsicum aa. dr. iv 

Cypripedium dr. ii 

Comp. Tr. Myrrh et Cap. (No. (5) oz. viii 
This is Dr. Samuel Thompson's Third Preparation of 
Lobelia. It is a most valuable preparation. In sluggish 
cases it arouses the system to dislodge semi-putrescent 
material, and quickly stimulates and equalizes the circula- 
tion. It is a most valuable preparation for sick-head- 
ache, some forms of dyspepsia and in the incipiency of 
some forms of apoplexy. 

Tincture Lobelia Comp., third preparation, the Physio- 
Medicalist's sheet anchor, when life hangs in the balance, 
where effects are required on short notice, the tincture lo- 
belia comp. can be relied upon when made by C, T. Bedford 
who uses only the best material in its manufacture. 

The Oil of Lobelia kept in stock by C. T. Bedford is extra 
fine being made by the formula peculiar to G. N. Davidson. 
Third Lobelia 
- '1 r. Lobelia lull 



LOBELIA. 387 

F. E. Scutelaria Lat. 
" Valeriana aa. equal parts. 

M.- S. Three-fourths teaspoonful in warm water every 
five minutes in a strong infusion of cimicifuga. Use this 
in ( ases of rattlesnake bite. 

Pui. Lobelia Seed dr. ii 

Cider Vinegar pt. i 

The vinegar may be added cold and tinctured for a week, 
or the vinegar may be raised to the boiling point and 
added, when it is immediately ready for use. 

This is one of the best preparations for croup, whooping 
cough and asthma. This preparation is best administered 
in the form of acetous syrup, which is pleasant and very 
efficient. 

To make the syrup fill the bottle two-thirds full of the 
tincture and add sugar to fill the bottle. Shake until'dis- 
solvecl. Or half the quantity of sugar may be replaced by 
an equal bulk of honey. 

The oil is best administered by being triturated with l(i 
times its own weight of sugar or lactin. or the two may be 
combined in equal parts. 

Dr. C. B. Riggs recommends the following compound 
:*-grain Lobelia pill: 

Powd. Lobelia Intl. Seed grs. iss 

" Cypnpedium Pub. gr. i 

" Capsicum gr. ss 

Extract Boneset q. s. ad. pill. 

Sig. One pill every one to four hours, as *he conditions 
demand. The Doctor says, This is a most excellent prepa- 
ration where profound relaxation is desired without eme- 
sis. It is excellent in peritonitis, lung and bronchial 
troubles, especially for bronchial cough and painful condi- 
tions' in any part of the body. 

Lobelia seed and tannin in equal parts in vaseline makes 
an excellent suppository or maybe introduced in rectal 
capsules for hemorrhoids. 

Triturate enough lobelia inflata in bicarbonate soda to 
form a thin paste and this rubbed well into a sore made by 
a rusty nail or into other inflamed or poisoned sores has 
been very successful in the hand's of Dr. C. R. Phillips. 
At first put on a paste of this and then keep the surface 
moist with lobelia tincture. You will be surprised to see 
how quickly it will cause pain to cease and cure the wound. 



388 LYCOPODIUM. 

Dr. F. O. Broady recommends the following hair tonic: 
F. E. Lobelia Seed (made by cold process) dr. vi 
" Bayberry Bark " " " " dr. ii 

Strong Tinct. Capsicum dr. ii 

Glycerin oz. i 

Rose Water q. s. oz. vi 

M. Sig. Apply every morning after having first washed 
the scalp with a good tar soap. A small quantity well 
rubbed in is sufficient at each application. I have twice 
restored my own dying and falling hair with six ounces of 
this. 

LYCOPERSICUM ESCULENTUM. 
Tomato. (Solanum Lycopersicum.) 

The fruit is a stimulating and soothing tonic alterant 
to the mucous membrane especially of the mouth, stomach 
and alvine canal. The fluid extract acts on the mucous 
lining of the mouth and other cavities and is excellent in 
nurse's sore mouth, canker and ulcerated sore mouth. The 
dose of the fluid extract is from 30 to 60 drops. 

The fluid extract should be made without heat from the 
ripe tomatoes. Its alterative influence is felt by the lym- 
phatics when they are swollen and hard and when scrofula 
is present. It assists in the relief of dyspepsia, constipa- 
tion, catarrh, hemorrhoids, leucorrhoea, spongy gums, de- 
caying teeth. 

The tomato is a germicide and a cleanser of the mucous 
membrane, and may be a means of preventing typhoid 
fever and diarrhoea. 

I have noticed one thing peculiar with the use of the 
tomato by those who have recently used some form of mer- 
cury. There may follow some semblance to salivation, 
but usually a little hydrastia phosphate and glycerin will 
quickly relieve this. 

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM. 
Club-Moss. Switzerland, Germany. 

The capsules of this moss contain a fine powder called 
lycopodium which consists of the seeds or spores of the 
plant. It is exceedingly tine, very light and of a delicate 
yellow color, tasteless and inodorous. 

This powder is a fine absorbent application to excoriated 
surfaces. It is an excellent baby powder for the prevent- 



LYCOPUS. 389 

ing or cure of chafing. It may also be used for the cover- 
ing of burns. 

LYCOPODIUM COMPLANATUM. 

Ground Pine. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says that with this he has cured some 
very severe cases of erysipelas. He gives it internally and 
applies it as a wash locally. 

LYCOPUS EUROP^US. 
Bitter Archangel, Bitter Bugle Weed. 

This is an extremely bitter, stimulating nervine. The 
herb is a powerful antiperiodic and seems to influence the 
secernents more and the brain centres less than does qui- 
nine. If it could be properly covered by some vehicle it 
would be a more valuable agent than quinine. Small 
quantities maybe used in large quantities of water as a 
tonic appetizer. 

LYCOPUS VIRGIN ICUS. 
Bugle Weed. 

The herb is an aromatic, soothing, stimulating, astrin- 
gent tonic, influencing the mucous membrane. It is valu- 
able in dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera infantum, in typhoid 
fever, in hemorrhages of the lungs, gums, bowels, kidneys, 
uterus. 

In hot infusion it influences the capillaries, soothes 
arterial excitement, strengthens the venous circulation, 
relieves gastric, alvine and urethral irritation, equalizes 
the circulation and soothes the nerves. 

In combination with inula, Symphytum or prunus it 
forms a good tonic cough syrup where expectoration is 
quite free.. 

Cold preparations influence the kidneys and give valu- 
able assistance in enuresis, cystisis. nephritis and sperma- 
torrhoea. 

F. E. Convallaria M. dr. iv 

" Lycopus Virg. 
" Liriodendron aa. dr. ii 

Syr. Aurantium Cort. q. s. oz. iv 

M. S. Teaspoonful three times a day for the relief of 
ovaritis. 

An injection of lycopus into a fistula is a valuable apj li- 



■"■890 MAGNESIA. 

cation. It may also be diluted and used in cases of ure- 
thral ulceration. 

Lycopus is valuable both locally and constitutionally in 
hemorrhages. 

MAGNESIA. 

This name is derived from the name of the district of 
country where it was originally obtained. It is one of the 
primitive alkaline earths, an oxide of magnesia. 

May ties ice Sulphas (sulphate of magnesia, epsom salts) 
is a mild, pleasant saline cathartic, usually operating in 
four or tive hours. It may be repeated as needed. If given 
in some lemon syrup it forms an effervescent drink. 

Magnesice Carbtnaa (catenate of magnesia) is an 
ant-acid and is used much for the relief of heartburn, sour 
stomach and nausea, especially during the period of preg- 
nancy. It also assists in keeping the bowels free during 
this period. This also effervesces when mixed with some 
acid. Magnesia is frequently used to absorb essential oils 
by trituration and rendering them capable of suspension 
in water, or making the oil more palatable by administer- 
ing in dry form. 

It may also be used as an absorbent or to apply to the 
surface to keep it from chafing, or as a baby powder. 

It is also used in the manufacture of tablets, pills and 
troches. 

Magnesia Usta (calcined or burnt magnesia) is obtained 
by heating the carbonate and driving off the carbonic acid 
gas. This combines with acids without effervescence. 
With this exception it is almost identical in practice with 
the carbonate. 

Liquor Mngnesice (it vat is (solution of citrate of mag- 
nesia) is an ant-acid, a liquid preparation, a pleasant, effer- 
vescing cathartic. 

Milk of Magnesia (Mg.H 2 2 ) is an excellent ant-acid, 
and may be used wherever the use of magnesia is implied. 

MAGNOLIA ACUMINATA. 

Cucumber Tree. 

MAGNOLIA GLAUCA. 

Sweet Bay Tree. . 

MAGNOLIA TKIPETALA. 
Umbrella Tree'. ' 
The bark of the" root and trunk of all these species is a 



MAHRUBIUM. 391 

mild aromatic, diffusive, stimulating tonic, influencing 
the mucous membrane of the alvine and renal tracts. It 
increases the flow of urine and is a gentle laxative to the 
bowels. 

In convalescence it is a gentle tonic, improving diges- 
tion, and is of value in convalescence from fevers and 
rheumatism. 

It is useful in gonorrhoeal or other urethral irritation. 

It is quite soothing to the nervous system and is very 
sustaining. 

MALLOTUS PH1LIPPINENSIS. 
Kawvala. India. 

This is an evergreen tree of tropical India. The glands 
and hair of the capsules come to us in the form of a deep 
red powder, having but. little taste, and insoluble in water. 

The berries are gathered and rubbed together so a- to 
divest them of this powder, which is a pleasant anthel- 
mintic. With occasional failures this brings away the 
taenia solium. It causes no colic and needs to be followed 
by no physic as do other anthelmintics. It is itself rather 
a brisk physic' if given in large doses. It may be given 
alone or in combination with male fern or kousso in equal 
parts. An ounce or more of the powder may be given in 
capsules, in fluid extract or in infusion. 

MALVA SYLVEsTRIS AND ROTUNDIFOLIA. 

High Mallows, Low Mallows. 

These plants are demulcent tonics to the mucous mem- 
brane throughout. It relieves irritation, whether of 
kidneys, bowels, bladder, or stomach. It is of much 
importance in dysentery, diarrhoea, nephritis, cystitis and 
urethritis. It may be used externally and internally. In 
poultice it is excellent upon inflamed surfaces, and with 
such agents as aralia, comfrey or inula it gives valuable 
assistance to the lungs, over which it may also be applied 
;;s a poultice. 

MARRUBIUM VULGARE. 
Horehourid. 

This heib is a gently diffusive, stimulating tonic to the 
respiratory organs. In hot infusion it is somewhat diapho- 
retic, promotes a good outw T ard flow of the circulation and 



M92 mel. 

relieves hyperaemic conditions of the lungs, congestions 
and hoarseness. 

In combination with leonurus it relieves the menstrual 
flow. 

Its best influence upon the lungs is in combination with 
aralia, inula and prunus. 

Marrubium decreases the mucous discharge and gives 
good results in wet catarrh and where expectoration is too 
free. 

MEDEOLA V1RGINICA. 
Cucumber Root, Indian Cucumber. 

The root is a soothing, gently stimulating diuretic. It 
increases the urinary flow, cleanses the mucous membrane 
and soothes and tones the urinary passages. It is service- 
able in congestions of the urinary tract and in gonorrhoea. 
Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following as a specific 
in some severe cases of gonorrhoea: 
Medeoia Virg. 
Agrimonia Eup. 
Plantago Major aa. equal parts. 

MEL. 

Honey. 

This is the liquid prepared by the apis mellifica f rom 
the juice of certain flowers. The best is made from white 
clover. 

It is stimulating to the mucous membrane, laxative to 
the bowels, and an expectorant to the bronchi. With sage 
and boracic acid it forms a good wash for sore mouth, and 
it is a good addition to cough syrups. 
Tr. Lobelia oz. xvi 

Oil Anise 
" Sassafras aa. gtta. xv 

Honey oz xii 

This fo T ms a good cough syrup, excellent for croup. 
Honey exerts a peculiar influence over some forms of 
ulcers, especially that produced by the removal of cancers. 
Here it is one of the best dressings. Spread pure honey 
all over the sore. It heals quick and does well. It does 
well as a dressing after cleansing the surface on any ulcer. 
Cleanse with hydro/.one and cover with honey. 
Pul. Hydrastis 1 

Mel 2 



MENTSPERMTJM. 39 1 

Mix and spread on muslin and lay on the lids in chronic 
ophthalmia. 

MELALEUCA CAJUPUTI 
Cajuput. 

The oil obtained fro n the leaves is quite pungent and 
stimulating. Triturated on sugar it is a powerful and 
permanent stimulant, quite healing to the stomach, and 
influences the circulation toward the surface. 

Its best use is on ths surface, where it is intensely stim- 
ulating aud may be used alone or in combination with 
other stimulating or relaxing medicines as the case may 
require. Its use will be beneficial in toothache. 

MELISSA OFFICINALIS. 
Lemon Balm. 

This herb forms a pleasant beverage for convalescence. 
It is a strong and soothing, toning nervine. 

In hot infusion it is somewhat diaphoretic and may be 
used for the removal of colds, and for the restoration of 
the menstrual flow stopped by recent cold. 

MENISPERMUM CA'NADENSE. 

Fellow Parilla. 

The root is a slow, bitter, diffusive, permanent, stimu- 
lating alterative. It slowly but positively influences the 
secernents and the skin, and in diseases influencing such 
it is exceedingly valuable as an alterant. 

It tones the mucous membrane throughout, assists gas- 
tric and intestinal digestion, and slowly relieves the liver 
and gall ducts. 

Controlled by agents that have especial influence upon 
the respiratory passages it is very valuable in phthisis, in 
chronic bronchitis, and scrofulous conditions. 

In the treatment of fevers in strumous persons this 
agent is one of the best in combination with other suitable 
agents. 

In biliousness, atonic dyspepsia, glandular swellings, 
scrofulous and mercurial rheumatism, secondary syphilis 
and indolent ulcers, in combination with such agents as 
rumex, fraxinus, celastrus, arctium or Phytolacca valuable 
compounds may be formed. 



394 MENTHA. 

F. E. Menispermum Can. 
" Arctium Lap. 

" Taraxacum D. L. aa. equal parts. 
This is a good hepatic alterant. 
F. E. Menispermum Can. dr. iii 
u Fraxinus Am. dr. iv 

" Celastrus Scan. dr iii 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This is a good alterant for skin disease.-. 

MENTHA ARVENSIS. 

Japanese Peppermint. Japan and China. 

It is from this plant that we get that useful camphora- 
ceous substance denominated menthol, which as an anti- 
septic is about equal to thymol. 

In China and Japan it is considered a specific for head- 
ache and is recommended for sciatica and neuralgia. 

Menthol camphor pui into a carious tooth relieves tooth- 
ache usually at once. 

This comes in crystals deposited from the oil on exposure 
to cold. It is the camphor of peppermint oil. It is only 
partially soluble in water but melts at 100 degrees F. and 
soon volatilizes without decomposition. It will evaporate 
and disappear at the ordinary temperature of living rooms. 
It is a camphor and not an oil at such temperature. 

Its smell is less pungent than that of peppermint but it 
has a sharper taste. On the skin it produces a sensation 
of cold, and yet the temperature may be exalted slightly. 

Menthol and iodoform or iodide of potassium combined 
equally in vaseline may be used for ringworm or tinea cap- 
itis. 

Menthol may be applied to the head in cases of neuralgia 
and inhaled for coryza, or combined with albolen it may 
be atomized. It may be used in this way. also in bronchitis; 
whooping cough, nasal catarrh or asthma. 

It is a germicide and antiseptic and is valuable in the 
treatment of la grippe. 

It has been said that 1 to 33000 prevents the development 
of anthrax bacilli and 1 to 2000 destroys the cholera bacilli. 

A 20 per cent, solution may be used for pruritus ani or 
pruritus vulva. It may be used for the same purposes 
when combined with olive oil or vaseline 



MENTHA.* 395 

Menthol grs. xxx 

Ess. Rosemary or Com p. Spts. Lavender 
Alcohol 45 per cent. aa. dr. ii 

This may be applied to carious teeth. 
Menthol dr. v 

Spts. Camphor 

Alcohol aa. oz. i 

This is usually successful in neuralgia, colic and in- 
flamed conditions. 

Menthol is useful in erysipelas. It circumscribes the 
eruption, allays pain and itching and lessens its duration. 
Menthol 

Alcohol aa. oz. i 

Oil Cinnamon gtta. xxx 

is successful in facial and intercostal neuralgia. 

Menthol may be triturated on sugar or lactin and giv- 
en in small doses for the vomiting of pregnancy. It may 
also be combined with syrup and given in small quantities 
internally for the same purpose, or it may be inhaled. 

Menthol may be dissolved in olive or cotton seed oil and 
used over burns. 

Combined with sodium salicylate and iodide potassium 
it will be found useful in rheumatism. 

Sprayed into the throat it relieves hoarseness, clears the 
voice and assists in the treatment of laryngitis. 

Menthol is altogether preferable to the ordinary smell- 
ing salts. 

Menthol must be tightly corked to prevent rapid vola- 
tilization. 
Menthol is claimed to be of much value in sunstroke. 
Th it menthol is a good antiseptic preparation of thymol 
and menthol. It is useful where either of its components 
is useful. 

MENTHA PIPERITA. 

This herb is a diffusive, aromatic, stimulating and relax- 
ing antispasmodic nervine and carminative. It is sooth- 
ing to the stomach and allays vomiting. 
Tr. Comp. Myrrh and Capsicum 3 
Ol. Mentha Pip. 1 

This will arrest chills in the milder forms of ague even 
after the person has begun to feel chilly. Give small doses 
every five minutes in some hot water. This preparation 
well diluted may also be used for gastralgia and shock. 



•J96 MENTHA. 

F. E. Cypripedium Pub. 

" Dioscorea Vil. aa. 20 

Ess. Mentha Pip. ] 

Syr. Zingiber. q. s. 

This may be used for colic for babies or adults, also for 
flatulence, gastralgia, enteralgia, cholera morbus, cholera 
infantum and chronic diarrhoea. 

A drop or two of the essence may be added to cathartics 
and bitter tonics; with the former it prevents griping and 
nausea and with the latter it partially covers their bitter- 
ness. 

The oil is more positively stimulating and warming but 
is less relaxing and diffusive than the herb. 
Oil Peppermint 
" Anise 
" Cajuput 

" Cloves aa. oz. i 

Alcohol oz. iv 

This is a stimulating preparation for either internal u^e 
or for external application. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following for delirium 
tremens: 

Elix. Mentha Pip. oz. i 

" Trichostema Dichota oz. ii 
Tr. Ferri dr. iv 

Elix. Hydrastis 

Oil Bergamot aa. dr. ii 

M. S. One tablespoonful four or five times a day. Give 
hot water or milk to drink. 

MENTHA VIRIDIS. 
/Spearmint. 

This herb is a soothing, aromatic, diffusive, relaxing 
and stimulating diuretic and nervine. It induces free 
discharges of the watery portion of the urine, relieves flat- 
ulence and soothes the nervous system 

A weak infusion readily allays nausea and vomiting, the 
vomiting of pregnancy, and is quieting to the stomach 
after free emesis. 

Mentha Vir. 3 

Zingiber I 

forms a good preparation for colic, flatulence and some 
cases of hysteria. 
The oil may be used for the same purposes of the herb. 






MICROSCOPY. 397 

Tt may be triturated on sugar or lactin for internal use. 
Oil Mentha Y. 

" Rosemary aa. 1 

Tr. Lobelia 10 

This makes a good application for various aches and 
pains. 

Oil Mentha Pip. 
" Mentha Yir. aa. equal parts in Vaseline 
forms an excellent application to the nostrils by pencil- 
brush or by atomization. This protects the mucous mem- 
brane, especially when about to be exposed to the cold air. 
It is very valuable in cases of catarrh. It protects the 
surface, soothes and heals. It is also excellent in hay 
asthma. 

MENYANTHES TRIFOLIATA. 
Buckbean. 

The root is a mild, stimulating tonic, influencing the 
secernents and glandular system. 

Large doses are somewhat nauseating but are thoroughly 
hepatic and cholagogue. It also increases the flow of 
urine. 

In its way it is valuable as an antiperiodic and an alter- 
ant. It cleanses the secernents and relieves the glandular 
system generally. It will be found useful in scrofula or 
where there is any impurity in the blood current. It is 
also quite useful in dropsy, where hepatic, alterative, diu- 
retic and tonic influences are needed to be thoroughly felt. 

MICROSCOPY. 
By F. O. Broady. M. D., 

Late Professor of Histology and Pathology in Chicago Physio-Medical 
College. 

Only a few hints can here be given on the subject of 
Microscopy. The student is referred for further necessary 
information to the many excellent manuals published in 
America and England. Chief among these may be said to 
be Dr. Carpenter on "The Microscope and its Revelations" 
(cost $6.00); Lionel S. Beale's "How to Work with the Mi- 
croscope" ($7.50); Prof. D. J. Hamilton's "Text Book of 
Pathology," 2 vols. ($12 50); Stirling's "Histology" ($3.00), 
a work on common objects, will no doubt be interesting, 
and M. C. Cooke on "Ponds and Ditches" (85 cts.) may be 



398 MICROSCOPY. 

recommended. With the works of Stirling, Beale, Hamil- 
ton and Cooke the foundation for a good microscopical 
library has been laid, and with this beginning the charm 
of the microscope and its beautiful, useful and wonderful 
revelations will never lose its force with the student. 

The microscope is simply an aid to the eye, and being a 
very delicate aid it is subject to unusual fallacies. A good 
instrument should therefore be chosen at first, so that this 
outlay of money may not be wasted, but be made the foun- 
dation of a complete outfit. 

Some of the principal makers of good microscopes are 
Zeiss and Leitz of Germany, Beck and Watson of England. 
and Bausch & Lomb of America. A good second-hand 
stand by Mr. Bullock, of Chicago, is equal with the best. 
but Mr. Buliock is now dead. In general, we may say that 
the microscopes made by Zeiss and Leitz are carefully 
made but none of them are specially arranged for tilting 
the instrument. This compels most of the work to be 
done with the instrument standing straight up, and is 
very tiring to the investigator as well as causing dimness 
of vision from retinal congestion. This is a serious fault 
with all "continental model" microscopes. Among Eng- 
lish makers Watson, of London, is coming to the front: his 
beautiful exhibit at the Columbian Exposition attracted 
great attention. A satisfactory high-class stand (the in- 
strument without lenses) would be Watson's* -'Edinburgh 
Student's" microscope, tripod foot, model "H," cost with 
case $51.00 in England; with 1 inch and l-(i inch objective, 
two eye pieces, Abbe substage illuminator with iris dia- 
phragm, the cost is $75.00 in England— roughly counting 
the pounds at 85.00 and the shillings at 25 cents. In gen- 
eral, it may be said that the custom house tariff is at 
present 40 per cent, on these instruments, and the express- 
age from London to Chicago is $10.00 for 200 pounds. The 
services of a custom house broker are needed to get the 
goods out of the custom house and shipped to other points; 
his charge will be $5.00. A shipment from England is 
practical where two or more buyers join in one shipment. 

A corresponding American outfit would be Bausch & 
Lomb's (Rochester, N. Y.) "Universal Microscope, J," 
two eye pieces, 3-4 inch and 1-5 inch objectives, Abbe con- 
denser, with case, costs $85.00. To either stand a 1-12 inch 

*W. Watson & Sons, 313 High Holborn, W. C, London, England. 



MICROSCOPY. 399 

oil immersion lens should be added for advanced work: 
this is the standard lens for bacteriological work. An ex- 
cellent lens is sold by Watson for $25.00 in London and a 
good one by Bauson & Lomb for $44.00. A "nose piece" is 
next needed to hold the objectives so that a change can be 
instantaneously made from one power to another. It 
should be ordered with the stand in order that it may be 
truly centered to that particular instrument. A double 
nose piece will do (American cost $5.00; English $.175). 
The following list comprises the principal accessories 
which would make an excellent microscopical outfit with 
what has already been mentioned: Beale's Camera Lucida 
(English cost $1.50) for drawing objects and for measure- 
ments; dissecting microscope for minute dissections, with 
objectives 1 inch, £ inch, i inch (American cost $10.00; 
English $8.75); stage micrometer, metric system (Ameri- 
can $2.00; English $1.25), for measuring size of objects; 
Rousselet's Live Box (American $2.50; English $2.00) for 
studying live animalcule; Cathcart's Ulicrotome, the best 
of the cheap kind and very useful. Watson sells it for 
$5.25 and it can be ^ed both for ether freezing or imbed- 
ding. Baiisch & Lomb charge $19.00 for practically the 
same instrument. The knife is extra, and Cole's costs 
$1.12 in England and $3.25 in America. Next comes a turn 
table (American $2.50; English $1.07) for making mount- 
ings; dissecting case of instruments (American $3.50; Eng- 
lish $2.07): injecting syringe for prepa-ing specimens by 
Beale's method (American $10.00; English, one pipe less. 
$3.12); glass shade for protecting the microscope from dust 
and a great convenience, $5.00 with base. This and the 
following articles can be bought in America to greater ad- 
vantage: The smalle-t size hand lamp, to be fitted with 
ground blue'glass chimney for evening work; 4-riug retort 
stand ($1.00); spirit lamp (35 cents): water bath (50 cents); 
sand bath (50 cents); wash bottle; pipettes; cover glass 
forceps (50 cents); bell glass (50 cents), for covering work 
from dust; brass table for heating slides, with suitable 
lamp (31.80; a dozen or more each of assorted ebonite and 
block tin cells (20 cents a dozeiij; thin cover glasses; ground 
glass slides; watch glasses; a few staining fluids, as Beal's 
carmine, eosine, hoematoxylin (each 20 cents;; Bell's cem- 
ent; Canada balsam; Price's glycerine; two capped bottles 
(30 cents each) for balsam and glycerine: and Pilisbury's 
cabinet ($3.25) to preserve your specimens. A plain but 



400 MICROSCOPY. 

steady table is also needed. If shipment is made from 
England it would be very satisfactory to include some of 
Watson's excellent mounted specimens of human tissue at 
25 cents apiece, admitted free of duty. 

A good microscope should be steady on its foot; the 
"field" (that is the surface of the picture presented to 
view) should be of good size — apparently 2± inches in di- 
ameter is good; there should be no rings of color around 
the outer edge of the field if the lens is good; the field 
should not seem to move or be unsteady as the tube is 
raised and lowered; and the fine and coarse adjustments 
should work perfectly smoothly from one end to the other. 

Great stress is laid by all teachers of microscopy on the 
need of the student drawing all that he observes. It is 
really of the greatest help as it trains the eye to observe 
closely; it assists in differentiating structures, and the 
accumulated drawings form a valuable source of reference. 
It is strongly urged that the student draw what he sees 

In the preparation of the tissues for microscopical exam- 
ination, but especially in preparing tissues for preserva 
tion in cabinets, two somewhat divergent methods are 
used by microscopists. One class— and they are in the 
majority — use many different kinds of hardening or soften- 
ing methods before they color and mount the tissue for 
preservation. The standard hardening chemicals are 
chromic, picric, osmic, nitric and formic acids and 
alcohol; other acids are used for softening. As the 
hardening power depends upon the power to coagulate 
albumen and render it opaque, we should also study how 
to render the tissue transparent after having cut it into 
thin slices — for which purpose the hardening was done — 
but no attention is paid to this important step in popular 
histology. The other method of preparing 'tissues is by 
injecting the capillaries with a red and the veins with a 
blue transparent solution, next doing a-; little hardening 
as possible but depending largely upon skill in fine dissec- 
tions (here the dissecting microscope is necessary), and 
lastly mounting (preserving) the tissue in heavy (Price's) 
glycerine. Beale, in his excellent work, fully explains this 
method, and as he at all times endeavors to alter the tis- 
sues as little as possible the student will do well to master 
Prof. Beale's technique. It is reasonable to expect greater 
discoveries in the histology of thp future from the delicate 
methods of Prof. Beale than from the harsh methods of 






MICROSCOPY. 401 

other popular authors, by whom tissues are even boiled 
before being mounted. 

The beginner who, for the first time, attempts to look 
through a microscope, may find some assistance in the fol- 
lowing instructions: Put the instrument on a steady table 
by a north window — never in direct sunlight. Tilt the 
stand to an angle suitable to the eye of the observer when 
comfortably seated. Use either nose piece, but at first 
put into the tube the low power objective (1 inch). Ex- 
clude all light from beiow by a slip of paper and put a dry, 
small piece of bread crumb in the Rousselet's Live Box. 
Hack the tube down till the object is in focus. Nothing 
but an opaque mass is seen, but here and there a glimpse 
of more or less transparent pieces appears. Let one or 
more of the transparent pieces be in the field and remove 
the 1-inch objective, replace it by thei-inch, and remove 
the paper which excluded the light from below. Be sure 
to get a beam of light from the concave mirror to pass 
through the opening in the stage before focusing. Still 
but a glimpse of something beyond is seen. Next, raise 
the tube and remove the live box. On the finger carry a 
drop or so of water and carefully apply to the pieces of 
crumb. Let them soak a few seconds and gently still more 
separate the pieces by means of a needle mounted in any 
wooden holder the size and shape of a slim lead-pencil. 
Needles are useful in microscopy; the slightly curved, 
spear pointed surgical needle mounted in a wooden handle 
makes an excellent knife for fine dissections. Next, gently 
press down the cover to the live box, place on the stage, 
and focus the tube. We now notice that a number of 
small, oval, circular, angular, and perfectly transparent 
particles are seen for the first time. Each transparent 
particle ha& a sharp and dark outline and the starch gran- 
ules are now differentiated. Notice that not until exam- 
ined in water did the starch granules yield any result; 
while looked at in air only opaque masses were seen. 
Hence we get a hint, how the medium may be suitable or 
not. In the same way examine in air and in water the 
thinnest shavings of lead-pencil wood, a thread or two of 
cotton, of wool, of linen, of silk, a small pinch of flour, 
ordinary starch, pepper, capsicum, powdered mustard, 
taking care to let the harder objects soak an hour or so in 
water so that they are well penetrated with the fluid. 
Next examine moist tea leaves, very thin sections of pota- 



402 MICROSCOPY. 

to, skin of orange or lemon, cabbage and other vegetables, 
taking care that in all cases the section is small and thin 
enough. A razor can be used for this. The beginner will 
also be greatly interested in examining various specimens 
of jam and preserved fruits. As these have been long 
soaked in syrup they have become exceedingly transpar- 
ent so that the spiral vessels, woody and cellular tissues 
can be seen without any trouble. Small insects, the pro- 
boscis of the mosquito, the flea, lobelia seed, lycopodium. 
the dust of the wings of moths and butterflies, the scum 
and ooze of ponds, and many other minute growths yield a 
rich field for the beginner. 

An intimate knowledge of the microscopical appearance 
of what goes to making up common household dust, mould 
and debris, is necessary at the very beginning of histolog- 
ical investigation, in order that the observer may not 
mistake a thread of cotton or wool for elastic tissue of the 
lungs in tuberculosis, a fibril of linen for shreds of urethral 
membrane in gonorrhoea, or the sugar mold for tubular 
casts in nephritis. Also be sure to learn to recognize air 
bubbles in all kinds of media, as water, oil and gum; oil 
globules in water and in tissue; and the ''Brownian' 
movements that all finely divided particles, the size of 
ordinary bacteria or less, show and which may easily bv 
mistaken for life movements. 

: The beginner will also find that the following precau- 
tions will be of advantage in order to save and develop his 
powers as an observer: Do not work too long at a time, 
especially with high powers (1-6 inch objective and higher): 
do not have the object illuminated more intensely than is 
necessary to see it clearly. Be sure to cultivate the habit 
of keeping both eyes open even though observing with but 
one, and change from one eye to the other quite frequently 
to avoid strain. At first work for half an hour only at a 
stretch, and if this does not tire too much the length of 
time for observation maybe gradually increased; two or 
three hours a day is the normal length of time for the 
ordinary observer. If care is exercised a weak eye may be 
strengthened and made as serviceable as any. 

A good microscope with a sufficient, supply of accessories 
is a practical help to the busy practitioner; to the scholar 
and investigator it is a charming companion and helpful 
friend. He is dull of wit whose pulses are not stirred at 
seeing the brilliant, scintillating movements of his own 



MITCrfELLA. 4C3 

white blood-corpuscles with the 1-12 inch lens, or the beat- 
ing heart of some transparent animalcule with the 1-6 
inch. A large field of usefulness and discovery in diagno- 
sis and therapeutics as well as in physiology lies before 
the medical microscopist. But the Physio-Medical inves- 
tigator will find that the artificial and violent methods of 
Allopathy have even invaded microscopy and histology so 
that it will be necessary for a member of the only scien- 
tific medical school to select from the mass of tissue 
destroying Allopathic technique that which is of service, 
and on that build a method of his own. Prof. Beale will 
probably be of more service than any other popular in- 
structor, but as, histology has advanced somewhat (though 
not as fundamentally as many would make us believe) since 
he wrote, there is something to learn from other authors 
and more to be developed by Physio-medical investigators. 
Let such enter the field with full assurance of rich intel 
lectual reward for even the smallest efforts made. 

Remarks.— rAn article on Microscopy may seem out of 
place in the midst of a Materia Medica, but I think it is 
very appropriate. The time has come when microscopy 
should be esteemed as one means of determining in some 
respects the therapeutical value of the agents we use and 
especially of the new ones we seek to choose. It will assist 
much in determining whether the agent be sanative or 
poisonous, and be a means of purifying our Materia Medica 
as well as of guiding in the selection of new agents. 

I hope to enlist the efforts of some willing and efficient 
microscopists who will from time to time report the results 
of their careful investigations of the various influences of 
different agents upon. bioplasm as actually observed in the 
field of the microscope. Prof. Broady's article is a very 
suitable introduction. 

MITCHELLA REPENS. 
Squaw- Vine. 
This herb is a moderately stimulating tonic nervine.' 
Its range of influence is. wide and at is one of pur most 
uselul agents. The stomach, bowels, kidneys, uterus, 
nervous system and circulation all feel its iNfluence. 
■ It is valued in all kinds of female weakness, but may be 
used by males wherever their troubles, are similar. In 
fact, wherever a good tonic is required, not too stimulat- 



404 



MITCHELLA 



ing but permanent, mitchella is in place. Jt would be 
rather difficult to misapply mitchella. 

It tones the stomach and bowels, relieves the aching 
back and stops uterine crampings during gestation. 

In nervous feebleness, irritability or prostration, wheth- 
er in males or in females, it is of superior value. It is a 
most important agent in spermatorrhoea, hysteria, and 
hypochondria. In leucorrhoea, prolapsus uteri, dysmenor- 
rhoea and all other female weaknesses it is so highly valued 
as to be denominated a female tonic. It relieves many au 
unpleasantness arising during the period of gestation. It 
may be taken more or less during this whole period with 
much benefit to the w'.:ole pelvic organism and the lady 
better prepared for parturition. There are few if any 
agents better adapted to the requirements of this period 
than mitchella. 

Mitchella Rep. 9 1-7 or 8 

Viburnum Op. 2 

Chamaslirium Lut. 

Caulophyllum Th. aa. 2 2-7 or 2 
Each forms an excellent female conic which will not dis- 
appoint you whichever formula you may adopt. 

Syrup Mitchella Comp. as made by C. T. Bedford under 
his improved process of manufacture, gives a syrup which 
represents the medicinal agents better than any other we 
know of. 

Extract Mitchella gr. i 

Caulophyllin gr. i 

Helonin 

Viburnin aa. gr. i 

Form this into a tablet or put into a capsule and use one 
or two after each meal and before retiring. 

If there be any scrofulous or spermatic troubles add 
menispermum or celastrus as required, or use for sperma- 
torrhoea the following: 

Comp. Syr. Mitchella qz. x 

(or F. E. Chamaslirium Lut. oz. i) 
F. E. Celastrus Scan. 

" Uva Ursi a a. dr. iss 

" Epigasa Rep. dr. iii 

In liiiT? trouble; where there is an excessive expectora- 
tion the tonic influence of mitchella is very favorably 
felt. • 



MOBUS. 405 

MITELLA CORDIFOLIA. 

Bishop's Cap. 

Dr. F. (t. Hoener recommends this agent in the treat- 
ment of gravel, gonorrhoea and suppressed urine. 

MOMORDICA BALSAMINA. 

Bal sain Apple. Tropical. 

This is a Southern annual climbing plant. The fruit is 
flattened* and narrowed at both ends and orange colored. 
In the Southern States it is a household remedy for colic 
pains, cold on the lungs, stomach or bowels. In large 
doses it is emetic. The ordinary dose of fluid extract is 
one-half to one fluid dnim, repeated as needed. Where its 
influence is needed for the relief of congestions it should 
be given in hot water. 

The fruit crushed or made into an infusion makes a good 
covering for burns, bruises, cuts, boils, chilblains and 
hemorrhoids. 

MOXARDA FISTULOSA. 
Wild Bergamot. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends this agent for spasmodic 
colics, especially when fever is present, and for the head- 
aches caused by malarial fever. 

MONARDA PUNCTATA. 
Horsemint. 

This is a mild, diffusive, stimulating and relaxing anti- 
spasmodic nervine and carminative. 

In hot infusion it influences a good outward circulation 
and is a diaphoretic, and is useful in the treatment of 
colds, catarrhal fever and the eruptive fevers. It is sooth- 
ing to the nervous system and somewhat influences the 
secernents. 

It is warming to the stomach, checks nocturnal emis- 
sions, relieves the vomiting of cholera infantum and chol- 
era morbus. 

The oil is quite fragrant and makes a good addition to 
liniments when a stimulating, soothing nervine is needed. 

MORUS ALBA. RUBRA AND NIGRA. 
Mulberry . 
The fruit is refreshing and laxative. Its juice is a 



406 MYRICA. 

pleasant and grateful drink to convalescents from fever. 
The bark of the roots is a mildly stimulating and ton- 
ing diuretic, and is very serviceable in nephritis and albu- 
minaria. It also influences the liver and the alvine canal 
and is serviceable in jaundice, enteritis and dropsy from 
hepatrc torpor. It tones the stomach, improves digestion, 
relieves sore mouth and assists in the removal of liver 
spots upon the face. .« - < ' 

MUSA SAPIENTUM. 
Banana. 

The fruit is a pleasant and nourishing food. 

The root of the banana has given in the hands of some 
others good results in goitre. I shall report further in 
some cases now under treatment. It is worth a trial; 
Dose a teaspbonful of the fluid extract three or four times 
a, day. i 

MYRICA CERIFERA. 
Bay berry. 

The bark is a positive, diffusive, stimulating, astringent 
alterative. Itarouses the circulation, stimulates nil the 
organs, and brings into greater activity all the secernents. 
It is one of the best agents to be used in the treatment of 
scrofula and tuberculosis. It more or less prevents the. 
deposit of tubercle. Though astringent it is more solidi- 
fying than drying. 

In scrofulous diarrhoea and chronic cholera infantum 
and goitre it is one of the best agents. Give in large or 
small doses as required and persist in its use. 

Its influence on the uterus is very postive. In prolapsus 
uteri it is splendid, and in parturition it cannot well be 
excelled. It induces better contractions and when given 
near the end of the cofinement it will anticipate flooding, 
and should there be excessive lochia it will assist in stop 
ping the excess. Its influence is also good in excessive 
menstruation or hemorrhages from other parts of the body 
and in female weakness. 

In hot infusion it gradually arouses the circulation and 
favors an outward flow of blood. A good free perspiration 
will follow, which will be more abundant if zingiber be 
added. It will then be found good in the removal of colds 
and be serviceable in some acute fevers. 

With some persons large doses will induce nausea and 



MYKICA. 407 

vomiting. In connection with lobelia it is frequently used 
in producing emesis, which will be very valuable in the 
treatment of the conditions found in mercurial cachexia, 
scrofula and secondary syphilis. It is an excellent means 
of ridding the system of impurities. For emetic purposes 
it should be given in hot infusion. 

In medical history the name of Dr. Samuel Thomson 
and his composition, his No. 6 and his third preparation 
of lobelia are forever united. His composition is a power- 
ful stimulating astringent preparation of great value in 
prostrated cases. The following were its components: 
Pul. Myrica Cer. 16 

" Abies Can. 

" Zingiber. Off. aa. 8 

•• Capsicum 

" Cloves aa. 1 

Composition, the old reliable compound as recommended 
by Dr. Samuel Thomson and always used in the crude form 
i. e. powdered state, has been changed by C. T. Bedford in- 
to a reliable fid. ext. which can be quickly converted into 
an infusion by adding gtts. q. s. to hot water to meet the 
requirements. In many cases it is given in capsule and the 
hot water drank soon after, thus getting rid of the burning 
and disagreeable taste. 

Dr. S. E. Carey "s formula was as follows: 
Pul. Myrica Cer. 32 

" Zingiber. Off. 
" Asclep'ias Tub. aa 16 

11 Hydrastis 2 

" Capsicum 1 

Still another formula has been added: 
Pul. Myrica Cer. 
" Zingiber. Off. 
" Asclepias Tub. aa. 32 

" Xanthoxylum Frax. 8 

" Capsicum , 1 

Each of these formulae in hot infusion are stimulating 
diaphoretics and may be selected as the conditions require. 
F. E. Myrica Cer. 

" Populus Bal. aa. dr. iv 

Tr. Amygdalus Per. Pets dr. i 
Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv 

This is somewhat similar to Dr. Samuel Thomson's No. 
"> and is a valuable soothing, astringent tonic. 



408 NEPETA. 

Myricin grs. v 

Oil Xanthoxylum gtta. iii 

Hydrastia Phos. grs. v 

This may be triturated on lactin or given in water oz. iv 
and used three or four times a day for chronic diarrhoea. 

Myrica, hemlock and gum myrrh may be used in infu- 
sion by injection for hemorrhoids. 

Locally myrica is a good wash for aphthous sore mouth, 
spongy gums, and upon old and obstinate sores. 

Bayberry wax or tallow as it is called is prepared from 
the berries and is used occasionally in ointments, for ring- 
worm, tetter and other sores. 

MYRISTICA FRAGRANS. 

Mace, Nutmeg. Java. West Indies. 

This is a mild aromatic, diffusive stimulant, chiefly used 
as a vehicle for other agents. 

NECTANDRA RODICI. 
Bebeeru South America. 

The bark is a stimulating tonic influencing the gastric 
and intestinal mucous membrane. 

In hot infusion it stimulates the circulation toward the 
surface and soothes and strengthens the nerves. It is also 
somewhat antiperiodic. It may be used to much advan- 
tage in the treatment of atonic dyspepsia, general debility, 
hysteria, neuralgia, ague and fevers. 

NEPETA OATAR1A. 
Catnip. 

This herb is an aromatic, relaxing, slightly stimulating, 
diffusive, diaphoretic and antispasmodic nervine. 

Though considered a very simple agent it is none the less 
important in children's colic, restlessness, nervous irrita- 
bility and fevers. 

In hot infusion it influences 'he circulation, soothes the 
nervous system and relieves irritation, and under proper 
conditions it increases both menstrual and renal flows. 
The addition of zingiber increases diaphoresis and intensi- 
ties all of the influences of nepeta. 
Nepeta 5 

Mitchella 1 



NYMPxi^EA. 409 

will be found an excellent tonic in some forms of hys- 
teria. 

Nepeta 10 

Dioscorea 1 

forms a compound of superior merit for children's colic. 

The inspissated juice of the green herb obtained by pres- 
sure and evaporated with but little heat forms an excellent 
antispasmodic for children's convulsions, hysterical con- 
vulsions, restlessness o.nd insomnia from irritation of the 
nervous system. This process may be continued to the 
formation of a solid extract and given in the form of pills. 

Inspis. ISepeta dr. vi 

Ess. Anise dr. ss 

F. E. Valerian dr. ii 

Syr. Zingiber. q. s. oz. iv 

This is suitable for either adults or children as an anti- 
spasmodic and for nervine purposes. 

A strong infusion made of four pounds of the herb re- 
duced to fourteen ounces, and two ounces of alcohol added, 
makes a very serviceable fluid extract. 

Locally a hot fomentation may be applied to any inflamed 
parts, over stomach, abdomen, chest or limbs where relaxa- 
tion is needed. Over the chest it is excellent for the relief 
of colds. 

There is nothing better for the relief of invagination of 
the bowels than a strong infusion of nepeta. Use two or 
three gallons or as much as is needed till relief is accom- 
plished. 

, NEPETA GLECHOMA. 
Ground Ivy. 

This herb is a mildly stimulating, tonic expectorant, 
chiefly influencing the respiratory organs. The secernents 
all more or less feel its influence and this fact renders this 
agent of much value as an addition to cough syrups, espe- 
cially with persons who are inclined to be bilious. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation toward the 
surface and soothes and sustains the nervous system. 

NYMPHJSA ODORATA AND ADVENA. 

White and Yellow Pond Lily. (Castalia Odorata.) 

The roots of these two species differ but little medically, 
though the white is mostly used. The root is a demulcent 
and a mild toning astringent. It influences the mucous 



410 OLEUM. 

membrane throughout, toning but not drying. It materi- 
ally lessens mucous discharges and is useful in diarrhoea, 
dysentery and cystic catarrh. 

Locally for leucorrhoea it has few superiors, as also for 
prolapsus uteri, ulceration of the cervix, relaxed vagina. 

It forms a good wash for purulent ophthalmia. 

This is not the best agent to be used when there is a 
tendency to constipation. 

It forms a yood wash for aphthous sore mouth and for 
scrofulous sores. 

In cases of chafing and excoriations it may be used as a 
dusting powder. 

CENOTHERA BIENNIS. 
Tree Primrose, Evening Primrose. 

The leaves thoroughly influence the mucous membrane 
throughout and the nervous system. It is a soothing and 
moderately stimulating agent relieving irritable conditions 
wherever needed by the vital force. In irritable forms of 
dyspepsia, irritation of the urethra, the bladder or the 
bronchi wherever it is needed or wherever influenced by 
other medicines, its force will be felt for good 

It assists in relieving asthma spasmodic dyspnoea, spas- 
modic coughs and croupal coughs. It assists in relieving 
sensitive conditions. It lessens gastric irritation and flat- 
ulence, improves theappetite, relieves nausea and vomiting 
and the nausea of pregnancy. It cleanses and heals and will 
be found useful in typhoid fever and catarrhal dyspepsia. 

It may be used in doses of 20 to 50 gtta. 3 to 5 times a 
day, it also assists in the relief of hay asthma, angina, 
hysteria and whooping cough, epilepsy, spinal irritation 
and neurasthenia. 

OLEUM EULACHON. 
Cod Liver Oil may soon be dethroned from its wonder- 
fully lauded position by eulachon oil obtained from the 
candle fish — thaleichthys paciflcus, which abounds in the 
rivers of British Columbia. This oil is said to be equally 
as efficacious in promoting nutrition in scrofulous and tu- 
berculous subject. Its flavor is less diagreeable than that of 
cod liver oil and may be administerd in the same dose, and 
under similar conditions. It seems to furnish equally as 
good results. 



OLEUM. 411 

OLEUM MORRHU^E. 

Cod Liver Oil. 

1 This oil is obtained from the fresh liver of the codfish. 

The pure oil may be given to infants, they do not seem 
to object to either its taste or smell as do adults. I have 
driven it to many infants and where they are not gone too 
far with gastric and intestinal indigestion they have done 
well, and from puny infants they have grown to be healthy 
and fat. 

• Adults have more acute taste and smeli and the oil must 
usualiy be fixed up in some way that there as usually more 
of other things to form an emulsion than there is present 
of the oil. With some persons a clove chewed before tak- 
ing the dose is sufficient to disguise the dose. Some take it 
in a little wine and some in malt extract. 

As a rule it is very questionable as to whether much bene- 
fit is derived from the use of cod liver oil. I believe proper 
foods are to be preferred. 

OLEUM OLIV^E. 

Olive Oil. 

' This oil is nutritious, laxative and cholagogue. It has 
been successfully used for relief from gall stones. It- 
increases the fluidity of bile and assists in the excretion of 
the same. 

i Olive oil is a superior agent to be used in all forms of 
poisoning from acids, in fact it comes the nearest to being 
an antidote for all forms of poisoning. 

It forms a valuable enema whether it is intended 
for rectal nutrition or as a rectal laxative. In cases where 
the stomach will not retain food, olive oil. I beef extracts 
and milk may be used by enemata 

The oil may also serve as a lubricant to the stomach and 
bowels in cases of mal-nutrition. 

As a cathartic for both infant and adult it is more pleasant 
than oleum ricini, gives less griping and is more nutritious 
but is a less active cathartic. - i i ■: 

OLEUM RICINL 
Castor Oil. 

The seeds yield a fixed oil of rather an unpleasant taste 
and smell and gives a stickiness in the mouth. It is cathar- 
tic in from four to five hours. It thoroughly cleanses" the 



412 OLEUM. 

bowels without giving watery discharges. After cathar- 
sis the bowels are toned and are left somewhat constipat- 
ed. In large doses it gripes, but this may usually be avoid- 
ed by the addition of a drop or two of the essence of mentha 
piperita. 

It is quite serviceable in acute and chronic dysentery 
and diarrhoea and in cholera infantum. It leaves the 
bowels soothed and toned. Its taste may be somewhat 
covered by milk, essence of peppermint, the yolk of an egg, 
sugar, ulmus or acacia. 

Ol. Ricini oz. i 

Tr. Cardamon comp. dr. iv 

Ol. Gaultheria gtta. iv 

Pul. Acacia 

" Sacch. Alba aa dr. ii 

Aqua Cinnamon q. s. oz. iv 

This forms an emulsion which disguises the taste of the 
oil. The following will also disguise it. 
Pul. Acacia dr. iss 

Ol. Ricini oz. iss 

" Cinnamon gtt. v 

Vinum dr. vi 

Lacto-peptine dr. i 

Syr. Zingiber q. s. oz. iv 

In cases of dysentery or diarrhoea the following may be 
given in doses of a teaspoonful after each stool or every 
three hours. 

Ol. Ricini oz. i 

" Anise dr. i 

•' Cloves gtta. iii 

Leptandrin grs. xx 

Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. ii 

OLEUM ROS^E. 
Oil of Hoses. 

This is prepared from several different species growing 
in Egypt, Persia, India and Asia Minor. 
It is obtained by pressure or by distillation. 
Ol. Rosas gtta, xx 

Carbonate Magnesia dr. i 

Aqua Distillata oz. viii 

Triturate and add water sufficient to make half a gal- 
lon or more according to the strength required. This is 
pleasant for the sick room. 



OSMORRHIZA. 41-'} 

ONOSMODIUM VIRGOIANUM. 

Gravel Weed. 

The root is a demulcent, stimulating diuretic. It 
soothes the mucous membrane but especially influences 
the renal department, increasing the flow of urine and 
toning the organs. It is best in torpid and sluggish condi- 
tions where the membrane is more or less clogged with 
mucous. It cleanses, soothes and tones. 

ORIGANUM YULCtARE. 

Wi I d Major a m. 

This plant yields an essential oil powerfully stimulating, 
a useful addition to liniments. 

Pare your corn close and apply two drops of oil origanum. 
Oil Origanum 2 

" Cedar 1 

Xeat's boot Oil 4 

This is a soothing and stimulating liniment. 

ojrthosiphon staminet>. 

Java Tea. India. Java. Australia. 

This is a perennial plant one to three feet high with 
leu res two to four inches long. They are prepared and 
come to the market somewhat like other tea. This seems 
to render the agent more .aromatic, and less astringent 
than are the ordinary leaves. It contains a small percent- 
age of glucoside and the alcoholic extract yields some 
tannin, but the aqueous extract yields none. 

The leaves are a mild, stimulating and relaxing diuretic. 
A strong infusion acts on the kidneys and bladder, cleanses 
the mucous membrane, assists in the relief and prevention 
of gravel, increases the quantity of urine and gives good 
results in chronic cystitis and ascites. 

OSMORRHIZA LOXGISTYLIS. 
Sweet Cicilij. 

The root has a sweetish taste. It is a mild stimulating 
and relaxing antispasmodic, influencing the mucous mem- 
brane and is valuable in cough syrups as an expectorant. 

It influences the gastric and intestinal mucous mem- 
brane and relieves flatulence, especially if combined with 
a small portion of zingiber. 



(I 



414 p^o^ia. 

, OSTRYA VIRGINICA. 

Iron Wood. 

\ The heart-wood is red and yields a mild, bitter, stimu- 
lating, astringent, tonic alterative, chiefly influencing the 
mucous membrane and the nerves. It soothes, stimulates 
and tones and is useful in acute and chronic diarrhoea, 
either per oram or by injection. 

\ Per vaginam it is a good wash for leucorrhoea and female 
weakness generally. Per oram it prevents miscarriage. 

It is quite stimulating to the brain and nerves and is 
serviceable in some forms of. neuralgia. It is a line anti- 
periodic and excellent in agues, more permanent than 
quinine. 

, It is best combined with some diffusive stimulant, when 
it will the better influence the circulation and. relieve con- 
gestive chills. -Boil two quarts of the chips thoroughly to 
make one pint of infusion. 

u ../.„, OXALIS ACETOSELLA- 

Wood Sorrel. ^ .....,,.. 

i This plant is quite stimulating and somewhat astrin- 
gent. ' > . 

;• By powerful pressure and subsequent exposure to the air 
a strong extract isitnade from the application of which as 
a plaster wonderful successes are reported in the cure of 
cancers. The addition of a. small portion, of pulverized 
uimus makes such plaster, more soothing and enables the 
patient to keep the plaster on the cancer a much longer 
time. ■ i . i 

Combined with five times its own bulk. of .vaseline it- 
forms a good salve for application to old sores, especially 
those of scrofulous origin. It cleanses and heals. 

OXYCOCCUS MACROCARPUS. 
American Cranberry. s 

i ,The berries form an excellent poultice very valuable in 
the treatment of erysipelas, or apply the raw juice. 
< The juice of the cooked fruit is a good acidulated drink 
where such is required in convalescence. 

P^ONIA OFFICINALIS. 

Peony. , ,. ■ 

The root is a mild relaxing and stimulating antispan- 



PAULINIA. 415 

mudic nervine. In hot infusion it may be used for colic, 
flatus and convulsions of children. Zingiber adds much to 
its diffusiveness. 

PANAX QUINQUEFOLIUM. 

Ginseng. 

The root is a mild, aromatic, diffusive, relaxing, tonic 
nervine. 

It soothes and strengthens a weak and irritated stom- 
ach, relieves general nervousness, insomnia, light cases of 
neuralgia, hyperesthesia and irritable conditions gener- 
ally. 

With aralia and prunus it assists in nervous pulmonary 
troubles. 

PANAX SCFIINSENG 

Chinese Gentian. 

The root is a diffusive, stimulating tonic to the digest- 
ive organs. It relieves pyrosis and flatus, and assists di- 
gestion and assimilation. It does good service in wasting 
diseases, as chlorosis, consumption, etc 

PARTHENIUM INTEGR I FOLIUM 
Cutting Almond. 

The root is a relaxing and slightly stimulating diuretic. 

It increases the flow of urine and soothes the entire 
renal apparata. It relieves the aching back, scalding urine 
and the irritation of gonorrhoea, nephritis, cystitis and 
urethritis. 

PASSIFLORA INCARNATA. 
Passion Flower. 

This is a reliable relaxing and somewhat stimulating 
antispasmodic nervine. It relieves excitement of the 
nervous system, and is of much benefit in spasmodic and 
neuralgic diseases, insomnia, the delirium of typhoid, the 
convulsions of children, chorea, dysmenorrhoea, epilepsy, 
hysteria, la grippe. 

It also relieves irritation of the brain centres and quiets 
the general nervous system. 

PAULINIA SORBILIS. 
Guarana. Brazil. 

This is a woody climber, bearing a fruit about the size 



416 PAUL1NIA. 

of a large grape and is nearly tilled with one or more nuts 
about the size of hazel nuts. In the Amazon valley it 
grows wild, but in the Madiera district it is cultivated 
and presents somewhat the appearance of a \ineyard. 
They ripen in December and open. The nuts are then 
gathered, roasted, shelled, ground, and enough water 
added to allow it kneaded into doughy rolls about a foot 
long in which state it comes into market. 

Guaranin is the alkaloid, a stimulating tonic nervine for 
sick-headache where the stomach is not much involved. 

We are indebted to Mr. K. M. Turner, of the Yale Chem- 
ical Co., of Atlanta, Ga., for the most valuable preparation 
of this agent which he has denominated 

SOEBILIN. 

This is the alkaloid guaranin chemically combined in 
certain proportions with pure bicarbonate of soda. It is a 
gently stimulating, soothing and toning nervine. 

This is an admirable preparation, an innocent reliever 
of pain. 

In facial, intestinal and cranial neuralgia it is a superior 
relief. Also in gastralgia, enteralgia and ovarian and 
uterine pains. It assists much in sciatica, rheumatism 
and insomnia. It sustains the heart and in angina gives 
quick relief. It soothes and tones the sympathetic and 
sensory nerves, and in sick-headache if the stomach is not 
too much at fault there is nothing better. In such cases 
it may be combined with a drop or so of Lobelia >d. Prep. 

Five to ten or more grains of this agent may be used as 
required. 

Dr. John Cooper says: "I have given Sorbilin of the 
Yale Chemical Co. a very thorough clinical test in typhoid, 
malarial, irritative and other fevers, also headaches of 
various kinds, and must say that its effects are very rapid 
and satisfactory, reducing temperature and relieving head- 
ache quickly without any profuse sweating or cardiac de- 
pression so common with the coal tar preparations. 

"Knowing it to be perfectly harmless I do not hesitate 
to use it in doses from 10 to 30 grs. every 2 or { hours, for 
any length of time. 

"I treated seventy cases of typhoid fever during two 
months and have used a pound of sorbilin. 

"I usually give the doses in the afternoon at one, four and 
seven o'clock in typhoid fever, with the very best results." 



PETROLATUM. 417 

Sorbilin may be combined with salicylate of sodium in 
the treatment of rheumatism and be used in fluid extract 
of celery seed when needed. 

PERSEA GRATISSIMA. 

Alligator Pear. Mexico, West Indies. 

This is a tree of moderate size, having leaves four to 
seven inches long, and its fruit in the shape of a pear, 
pulpy and having one seed. 

The seeds are a warming, stimulating agent, chiefly val- 
ued as an application for intercostal neuralgia, also in 
rheumatism, sciatica and ovarian pain. 

PETROLATUM. 

Petroleum. 
This is a bland, neutral, protecting dressing. 
Cosmoline or vaseline (unguentum petrolii) is obtained 
from residuum and reduced oils; benzine, naphtha, illumi- 
nating and paraffine oils having been removed by distilla- 
tion by the vacuum process. With iodide potas. it forms 
an ointment for glandular swellings. 

Abolene is a hydro-carbon oil from a new and peculiar 
kind of petroleum. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless and 
is not affected by exposure to the air or strong acids. It 
is a good application for laryngeal and catarrhal affections. 
McCoy, Howe Co. manufacture Emulsion Petroleum 
with hypophosphites. Each fluid dram contains: 
Purified Petroleum (medicinal) m. xx 
Hypophosphite Calcium grs. ii 

Hypophosphite Sodium grs. ii 

Hypophosphite Potassium gr. i 

This is a fine permanent emulsion prepared from 0. P. 
salts and trituration accomplished by special machinery. 
It is used with marked benefit in consumption, bronchitis, 
pneumonia, general debility and all wasting diseases. It 
may be mixed with wine, milk or water as preferred. 

PEUMUS BOLDUS. 
Boldo. Chili. 

Boldo is an evergreen and fragrant tree. Its whitish 
fruit is aromatic, sweet and is eaten in its native country. 
Its hard round seeds are sometimes used in making the 
beads of rosaries. The bark gives a dye material for tan- 
ning. 

The leaves are a soothing, diffusive, stimulating tonic 



418 PHYTOLACCA. 

to the mucous membrane. It is also antiseptic and valu- 
able in atonic dyspepsia, hepatic torpor, biliousness and 
hepatic congestion. Its influence is also extended to the 
urinary organs and is useful in cystic catarrh, Menor- 
rhagia and nocturnal erections. It improves the appetite, 
stimulates digestion and tones the general system. 

PHORADENDRON FLAVESCENS. 
Mistletoe. 

This grows upon a variety of trees and shrubs but seems 
to prefer oaks and cottonwood. Its appearance is rather 
peculiar, having greenish yellow, woody, brittle stems. It 
branches freely and soon forms a dense mass. The leaves 
are fleshy, of color and brittleness similar to that of the 
stems. The leaves vary much in size. The flowers are 
very minute and the fruit is a small whitish berry, very 
viscid. 

The leaven are a stimulating and relaxing antispasmodic 
nervine. It seems -to give its especial influence where it 
is most needed by the vital force. During parturition 
when the pains are light, it produces prompt uterine con- 
tractions and well anticipates hemorrhage. 

Besides being an oxytocic it is also valuable in all uter- 
ine hemorrhages, and assists much in the expulsion of the 
placenta when retained after an abortion or miscarriage. 

As an antispasmodic it will be found useful in the relief 
of the extra effort put forth in asthma, epilepsy and other 
spasmodic conditions. 

PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA. 

Poke. 

The berries are a relaxing and stimulating alterant, in- 
fluencing the mucous, serous and glandular structures. 
Cook the berries till they burst and pour off the juice 
without straining. Then cover the berries again with 
water and cook thoroughly. Now strain off all the juice 
and boil it down to the consistency of a thick syrup and 
add the flrst juice poured off. Bottle for use. 

It can also be made into a jelly or into a tincture with 
30 p. c. alcohol. Either is excellent for rheumatism. It 
soothes the serous membraue, relieves the glandular sys- 
tem, solidities the muscles and throws off the excessive 
amount of internal blubber as a result of fatty degenera- 
tion. 






PHYTOLACCA. 419 

In the treatment of scrofula it relieves the glandular 
system of its impurities and cleanses the blood current. It 
increases the flow of saliva, of urine, of perspiration, ana 
frees the alvine canal. 

Like most alteratives it is slow but persistent, and some 
time must be given to participate in the full benefits of 
this agent. 

In the early spring the young leaves are frequently used 
as a popular dish of greens. At their maturity the leaves 
and stalk have much of the same properties as the root 
and berries. 

The root in its green state is quite acrid and is quite 
irritating to the mucous membrane, frequently causing a 
persistent vomiting. A similar result will follow if the 
green root be bruised and placed upon the surface of an 
excoriated or ulcerated part. 

The green root taken in small and frequent doses will 
frequently relieve rheumatism. 

The better way to use this agent is to cut the green root- 
tine and cover with boiling water and allow to boil two or 
three minutes. This preparation may be given in doses of 
a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful. with but little if any 
nausea experienced. Two ounces of alcohol to the pint 
may be added to keep this preparation 

The dried roi)t is but of little value. 

This agent is a good alterant and if applied externally 
and taken internally for some time it will relieve many a 
bony and cartilaginous swelling. I believe it will avert 
white swelling, but I have not proved it. 

It relieves neuralgia, sciatica and lumbago. 

I combine at times the berry juice and this preparation 
of the root in equal quantities with good results in inflam- 
mation or ulceration of the alimentary canal and rheuma- 
tism. 

In case of threatened mammary abscess this preparation 
of the root may be used internally and locally in hot fomen- 
tation or poultice. Treat orchitis and ovaritis in the same- 
way, and so with scrofulous abscess, surface inflammation 
and inflammatory rheumatism, give large doses and fre- 
quently to control at once, else it lingers. Phytolacca influ- 
ences all the deep structures when inflamed and all the 
serous structures. It is a good poultice in case of felon. 

The roasted root makes a splendid poultice for inflamed 



420 PICR^NA. 

surfaces. It quickly reduces inflammation and decreases 
excessive suppuration. 

The cooking largely dissipates the naseating tendency so 
that much more of it can be given than of the green root. 
But only cook two or three minutes, it is then a better 
nervine, alterative and laxative. 

Phytolacca may be combined with many of the altera- 
tives with much profit. 

Take Phytolacca roots (green), verbascum thapsus and 
trifolium pratense in equal parts, cover with boiling water 
and simmer two or three minutes, than poor off and cover 
with water, which simmer to one half the quantity, add 
the two products and simmer to 14 oz. to 1 lb. of the crude, 
add oz. 4 of sugar to each pint, one dr. of salicylic acid and 
one ounce of alcohol. Use this for cancer, ophthalmia, 
scrofula, consumption, rheumatism and overheat. 
F. E. Phytolacca Bac. dr. v 

'• Verbena dr. iss 

" Xanthox. Frax. gtta. xv 

Salicylate Sodium dr. i 

Syr. Zingiber v q. s. oz. iv 

M. S. Teaspoonful every 3 hours for rheumatism. 
Bruise the green root and apply to a bunion. 
Dr. F. Gr. Hoener uses the following for acute and chron- 
ic rheumatism. 

Succus Phytolacca Bac. oz. i 

Elix. Betonica Lane. 

" Cimicifuga aa oz. iss 

PICRiENA EXCELSA. 
Quassia. Jamaica. 

The wood and bark are an intensely bitter, stimulating 
tonic, influencing chiefly the digestive organs. In lan- 
guid conditions and in convalescence it improves the ap- 
petite and assists digestion. Very small doses only are re- 
quired. The quassia cup is made out of this wood, and 
water kept in it for a short time will taste quite bitter, 
and this water drank before meals is an appetizer and di- 
gest ant. 

Cardamon Seed oz. ss 

Cinnamon 
. Picraana 

Raisins aa. dr. vi 

This forms a good tonic preparation. 



PIPER. 421 

PICRAMNIA . 

Honduras Bark. (Cascara Aniarga) Mexico, Honduras. 

The bark is a stimulating- alterative of especial value in 
secondary syphilis, syphilitic tubercules, chronic eczemas, 
summy tumors, gonorrhoea! rheumatism, chronic nephri- 
tis, chronic nasal catarrh. 

Prohibit the use of alcoholics, tobacco and sexual ex- 
cesses. 

This agent seems to eliminate the specific virus by way 
of the skin and kidneys. 

It improves the appetite and assists digestion. From 30 
to 50 drops may be taken of the fluid extract three times 
daily. Berberis aquifolium and xanthoxyium may be 
added. 

PIMPINELLA ANISUM. 
Anise Seed. 

The oil from the seed is a pleasant, sweet, aromatic, 
relaxing and stimulating nervine and carminative. It is 
mostly used as an adjuvant for the administering of cathar- 
tics, bitter and nauseating medicines. The oil may be 
triturated with sugar or magnesia and may then be used 
in powdered form or combined with water. 

PIPER CUBEBA. 

Cubebs. East Indies. 

The berries are a prompt, diffusive, stimulating diuret- 
ic, influencing the mucous membrane but chiefly that of 
the urinary organs. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation. 

Their use is not best in acute inflammatory conditions, 
but in chronic conditions, as gleet and cystic catarrh. 

This agent is sometimes combined with copaiba for cys- 
tic and nephritic congestions, and chronic inflammatory 
conditions. 

The oil may be used in doses of three to ten drops on 
sugar, acacia or magnesia. 

PIPER NIGRUM. 
Black Pepper. East Indies. 

This is principally used for seasoning food. In hot in- 
fusion it stimulates the circulation and tends the flow 
toward the surface. 

The oil may be used triturated on sugar or lactin. 



422 PODOPHYLLUM. 

Piper ine is a resinoid used for the same general pur- 
poses as the oil. 

PLANTAGO COKDATA. 
Water Plantain. 

The roof is a mild, soothing, relaxing and stimulating 
antispasmodic nervine. It is useful in irritable forms of 
nervous troubles, hysteria, children's convulsions and spi- 
nal irritation. It is gently soothing to the stomach espe- 
cially of the pregnant. In hot fomentation it is a valuable 
application to swellings, sprains and bruises. 

PLANTAGO MAJOR. 
Plantain. 

The roots and leaves are a mild, diffusive, stimulating 
and relaxing alterant, influencing the entire mucous mem- 
brane, but especially that of the urinary tract. The 
glandular system is thoroughly influenced and it is valu- 
able in cases of scrofula, struma and some eczemas. It 
mildly increases the quantity of urine, relieves its scald- 
ing, the aching back, cystic catarrh, acute and chronic 
gonorrhoea, and internal and external scrofulous swellings. 

A fomentation or wash of the plant is useful for sprains, 
erysipelas, ophthalmia and other surface irritations. 

PLANTAGO VIRGINICA. 

The properties of this plant are very similar to those of 
the cordata. 

PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM. 
Mandrake. 

The root when fresh is quite acrid, nauseating and dras- 
tic. The dry root produces much less irritation. It influ- 
ences the salivary glands, mucous membrane, gall ducts, 
liver and kidneys, it is decidedly a cholagogue, and a 
cathartic in from six to ten hours. Large doses leave an 
uneasy sensation in the lower bowels which soon influences 
the entire pelvic organism. J t is not a proper agent to 
use much or frequently with the pregnant. 

The crude material and the fluid extract have given way 
to the resinoid podophylUn, which is now most used. 
This is a prompt cholagogue and is a most valuable agent 
in liquefying the gall in the relief of gall stone, for which 
purpose it is best triturated with sugar one lo fifty or 



POLYGALA. 423 

given in syr. zingiberis, or the ingredients may be given 
in capsules. Give large doses every few minutes. It will 
not nauseate nor produce catharsis until the parts become 
eased and the gall liquefied. The vital force uses it where 
it is most needed. Occasional doses must be given to 
maintain a liquid condition. 

If this agent is to be used as a cathartic add a little zin- 
giber but use no sugar. 

Other agents will give better results if the mucous 
membrane is irritated. 

Podophyllin in small doses is useful in jaundice. 

There is one trouble with the use of this agent. After 
yrtu have used it for some time, milder agents seem to have 
but little effect. 

POLEMONIUM REPTANS. 

Greek Valerian, Abscess-Root. 

The root is a diffusive, stimulating and relaxing diapho- 
retic, antiseptic, nervine and alterant. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation and gives a 
prompt flow of blood toward the surface. Thus it also 
relieves the nerves and the mucoid membrane. It is use- 
ful in recent colds, pleuritis. tardy exanthems, typhoid 
restlessness, nervous prostration, dysmenorrhoea, lingering 
parturition, whooping cough and phthisis. 

It acts prominently on the lungs, the stomach and gland- 
ular system. 

If you can obtain the green herb bruise it and obtain 
the strength by hot water and evaporation. Add two 
ounces of alcohol to the pint to keep it. It is said to re- 
lieve of snake virus. 
F. E. Araiia Rac. dr. vi F. E. Lycopus dr. iv 

" Lycopus V. dr. iv Tr. Cimicifuga 

'• Polemonium R. dr. ii il Lobelia 
Syr. Prunus q. s. oz. viii F. E. Polemonium aa. dr. ii 

Syr. Prunus q. s. oz. viii 

These are both valuable cough syrups. 

POL YG ALA SENEGA. 
Senega . 

The root is a positive, scimulating alterant, somewhat 
irritating to the fauces and salivary glands. It is quite 
general in its influence. In large doses it is emetic. To 
the respiratory mucous membrane it is a stimulating ex- 



424 POLYGONUM. 

pectorant, especially if combined with more relaxing and 
demulcent agents, as aralia and glycyrrhiza. 

In hot infusion it stimulates to a good capillary flow and 
leads to diaphoresis. It is useful in tardy eruptions, espe- 
cially of variola, relieves the nerves and circulation and 
brings the rash out in good shape. In many cases so much 
stimulation may not be required. 

Cold preparations are diuretic and are useful in torpid 
conditions of the urinary membrane. It is also useful in 
amenorrhoea, chronic rheumatism, snake virus, mercurial 
cachexia, secondary syphilis and some eczemas. 

POLYGONUM AVICULARE. 
Knot Grass, Goose Grass. 

This herb is a mild, diffusive, stimulating and relaxing, 
antispasmodic nervine. 

In hot infusion it influences the circulation and is dia- 
phoretic, quite stimulating to the capillaries and increns- 
ing the periodic flow, especially if a little zingiber be 
added. 

Cold preparations are diuretic and relieve the aching 
back and bladder. 

For irritable coughs it is a good addition to aralia, inula 
and prunus. 

POLYGONUM PERSICAR1A. 
Heart's Ease. 

In hot infusion this herb is a diffusive, stimulating dia- 
phoretic, and useful in coughs, colds, glandular swellings 
and fevers. 

POLYGONUM FUNCTATUM. 

Water- Pepper, Smart Weed. (P. Hydropiper.) 

(P. Bistortaof Europe.) 

This herb when green is acrid, but is less so when dried. 
It is a stimulating and relaxing diaphoretic and nervine. 

In hot infusion it is freely diaphoretic, quite stimulating 
to the circulation and soothing to the nervous system and 
is slightly emmenagogue. 

Cold preparations are diuretic. 

In hot infusion it is valuable in recent colds, bronchial 
and pulmonary congestions, especially if combined with 
asclepias and zingiber. 



POLYMNIA. 425 

Syr. Polygonum oz. ii Syr. Polygonum oz. i 

" Polemonium oz. i " Polemonium oz. iss 

" Aralia Rac. dr. iii " Prunus oz. ii 

" Hydrastis dr. v ; ' Aralia Rac. oz. iss 

Either of these combinations forms a good cough syrup 
for bronchitis and phthisis, 

F. E Polygonum Punc. dr. ii 

" Caulophyllum Thai. 
" Glycyrrhiza Glab. 
" Polemonium Rep. aa. dr. i 
Syr. Prunus Virg. q. s. oz. iv 

This may be used for old spasmodic coughs. 
In amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhea when arising from 
congestion, this is one of our best agents. In parturition 
when the pains are slow, the contractions feeble and the 
patient fatigued, it stimulates to better contractions and 
more effectual labor. 

In the treatment of swellings, inflammations and con- 
gestions, when the green material can be applied in hot 
fomentation it is one of the very best for peritonitis, pleu- 
ritis, hepatitis, cystitis; also for gastric, hepatic, splenic, 
intestinal, pulmonary, cystic and nephritic congestions. 
For swellings of the limbs and joints verbascum maybe 
added in hot acetum. 

Age soon renders this agent inert. 

With solidago it is valuable in diphtheria, aphonia, 
pharyngitis and tonsilitis. 

Polygonum combined with alterants makes them of 
greater value by adding diffusive stimulation and increased 
arterial force. 

An infusion of the fresh herb may be used as a wash for 
foul ulcers and gangrenous sores. 

The fluid extract may be used for all purposes of the 
herb when the fresh material cannot be obtained. 

POLYMNIA UVEDALIA/ 

Bears foot. 

This is a coarse looking plant from four to ten feet high, 
growing in moist fertile grounds in the Eastern and South- 
ern States. The leaves are a foot or more in length, and 
about the same in their greatest width. 

The root is a stimulating, tonic alterant to the secern- 
ents. mucous and serous membranes and glandular system. 



426 populus. 

It cleanses the mucous surface and increases nutritive 
activity. 

It is valuable in enlarged spleen, rheumatism, scrofula, 
enlarged and tender liver, sore throat, sore chest, inflamed 
breasts. 

F. E. Polymnia Uv. oz. i 

Adeps oz ii 

This forms an excellent ointment which when applied 
over enlarged or sore parts greatly assists the internal use 
of the agent, as in rheumatism, spinal irritation, glandular 
enlargement, ague cake, inflamed breasts, etc. 

POLYPODIUM VULGARE. 
Polypody. 

The root is a soothing, demulcent stimulant, influencing 
the mucous membrane of the alvine canal and respiratory 
organs. To the bowels it is laxative and to the bronchi it 
is an expectorant. 

POLYTRICHUM JUNIPERUM. 
Hair- Cap Moss. 

This plant is a pleasant, prompt, relaxing diuretic, and 
serviceable in dropsy and the suppression of urine in either 
infant or adult. It very materially increases the urinary 
flow. 

POPULUS BALSAMIFERA. 
Balsam Poplar, Balm of Gilead. (P. Candicans.} 

Gather these buds in the spring before they become ex- 
panded. They are a balsamic stimulant influencing the 
circulation and the mucous membrane throughout. 

The buds yield an exudation which water dissolves only 
in part. They may be tinctured in alcohol, which is then 
evaporated and the residuum triturated on sugar. This is 
quite stimulating in old coughs and is valuable for debili- 
tated cases. It gives best service with more relaxing 
agents. For the kidneys and bladder it should be used 
only in cases needing much stimulation. It> is best with 
relaxing diuretics. 

It influences the circulation, but with some diffusive 
will do it much better. 

It assists in chronic rheumatism, sciatica and lumbago, 
but will be better if combined with Phytolacca and sodium 
salicylate. 



POPULUS. 427 

Pinus Canaden. 

Prunus Virgin. aa. 5i 

Populus Balsam. 
Aralia Rac. aa. 8 

Sanguinaria Can. 6 

Sassafras 4 

This is a good cough compound. 

POPULUS TREMULOIDES. 
White Poplar. 

The buds gathered in winter are very strongly medici- 
nal. The inner bark and buds are a stimulating tonic 
alterant. Its influence is quite general. It promotes 
appetite and assists digestion when used in lax conditions, 
and general weakness and depression. 

In chronic diarrhoea, chronic dysentery, cholera infan- 
tum, it is a tonic, not an astringent. 

It tones the mucous membrane, relieves indigestion and 
is somewhat anthelmintic. 

The kidneys and bladder also feel its power. It gradu- 
ally increases the urine and relieves the aching back. 

If more or less controlled by uva ursi, it will give good 
results in cystic and renal catarrh and congestions. 

It is also of use in uterine, vaginal and anal weakness, 
both as a wash and for internal use. 

It is also a valuable wash for eczemas, purulent ophthal- 
mia, chronic gonorrhoea and syphilitic sores. 

Dr. F. (t. Hoener recommends the following for cholera 
morbus: 

Elix. Populus Trem. oz. ii 

" Ambrosia Artem. 
" ' Monarda Punc. aa. oz. i 

Dessertspoonful every 15 or 20 minutes. 

Populus Trem. 

Myrica Cer. aa. oz. ss 

Aqua oz. xvi 

Inject for anal prolapsus. 

Populus Trem. 

Berberis Vulg. 

Chelone Glab. aa. equal parts 
forms what is known as Dr. Samuel Thomson's spiced 
hitters, or No. 5. It is a fine tonic hepatic. 



428 POTASSIUM. 

Dr. Bedford's formula for Spice Bitters differs material- 
ly from the old formula, making it much more pleasant 
and palatable. It can be had in powder or fluid extract, 
the latter being easy of administration: the former may be 
used in capsule or in hot water as needed, this makes it de- 
sirable and at the same time economical. 
F. E. Populus Trem. dr. iiss 

" Yerbascum Thap. dr. iv 

" Polygonum Pun. dr. iss 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 

This may be given three to six times a day for chronic 
diarrhoea. 

F. E. Populus Trem. dr. ii 

" Berberis Aqui. dr. i 

11 Hydrastis Can. dr. ss 

" Aletris Far. dr. i 

" Taraxacum D. L. dr, iv 

" Xanthoxylum Frax. gtta. x 
Syr. Simplicis q. s. oz. iv 

This forms a good tonic alterant for debilitated cases, 
especially suited to females. 

PORTULACA OLERACEA. 
Garden Purslane. 
This is an annual succulent plant of our gardens. 
It is a gentle, soothing, stimulant to the mucous mem- 
brane of the alvine and urinary departments. It soothes 
cleanses and tones and is a quite useful infusion. 

Dr, F. G. Hoener uses the following for cholera infan- 
tum: 

Elix. Portulaca Olerac. oz. ii 

" Monarda Punct. 
" Comptonia Asplen. aa. oz. i 
M. S. A half to a whole teaspoon ful every one or two 
hours till improvement. 

POTASSIUM. 

Potassce Carbonas Purus is prepared from the lye of 
wood ashes. It is a strong alkali. 

Potassce Bicarbonas is the result of the absorption of 
an additional equivalent of carbonic acid gas. This is an 
acceptable alkali frequently used in various ways and 
preparations. 

Potassa Caustlca is also prepared from the carbonate 



POTASSIUM. 42fl 

and is the escharotic, lunar caustic. In the process of ob- 
taining this precipitate we obtain 

Liquor Pofassce, which is sometimes used in the mixing 
of resins or gums with fluid extracts. 

Potassa Caustica cum Calce (Caustic Paste) is made by 
thoroughly triturating caustic potash and unslacked lime. 
This is a somewhat milder escharotic. 

Potassae Chloras is a popular gargle for sore throat, but 
I believe there are many things better. 

Potassae Bitartras, (Cream of Tartar) is occasionally 
used as a morning drink for constipation and as an ad- 
dition to physics. 

Potassae Bisulphas, applied locally and given inter- 
nally has been successful in some cases of goitre and sever- 
al cases of pruritus* 

Potassil Sulphur etum. 
Sulphuret Potas. oz. ss 

Oil Rosemary dr. i 

Aqua oz. vi or more. 

Makes a good wash for scabies, pruritus and other itching 
eczemas. 

Potassii lodidum, is a tonic alterant influencing the 
mucous and serous membranes and glandular system. 
Iodide Potas, dr. iv 

Tr. Cimicifuga 

Tr. Gentian Comp. aa ( z. ii 

This used 3 to b times a day will give good results in 
rheumatism. 

Iodide Potassium will assist much in the treatment of 
pneumonia. 

Locally this agent is valuable for the removal of warts, 
goitre and eczemas. 

Iodide Potas. dr. iv 

Pix Liquida dr. i 

Sulphur dr. iii 

Vaseline oz. iv 

This is one of the best preparations for tinea capitis. 
Iodide Potas. dr. i 

Aqua oz. ii 

A teaspoonful of this may be used 3 or 4 times a day for 
specific ulceration, scrofula or ophthalmia. 
Iodide Potas. dr. i 

Tr. Lavender Comp. dr. iv 



430 POTENTILLA 

F. E. Serpentaria, dr. ii. 

Syr. Zingiber, q. s. oz. vi 

A teaspoonful every 3 or 4 hours will soon relieve the 
headache which follows or accompanies puerperal fever. 
Iodide Potas, oz. ss 

Aqua oz. viii 

A teaspoonful may be given three times a day in bad 
cases of nasal catarrh. 

McCoy, Howe Co. make a syrup of double strength 2 per 
ent hydriodic acid. They claim for it exceptional keepi ng 
qualities, and absolute purity of ingredients, being kept 
for months without change. 

Potassae Per many anas, is an excellent deodorizer for 
the sick room, an absorbent of foul gasses and a destroyer 
of contagia. 

Potassae Permanganas, 
Manganesii Oxidum, 
Acidum Oxalicum, aa. equal parts. 
Do not triturate all these together for an explosion may 
take place. But combine first the oxalic acid and the 
manganese and then add the permanganate of potassium. 
Two teaspoonsful of this powder in a dish occasionally di- 
luted with water will be sufficient to thoroughly disinfect 
a sick room and destroy most atmospheric contagia. 

potentilla canadensis. 

Cinque foil, Five-Finger Herb. 

This herb is a mild, stimulating, astringent tonic, chief- 
ly influencing the mucous membrane, and very service- 
able in diarrhoea and dysentery of both children and 
adults. It is rather pleasant to the stomach and frequently 
allays nausea and vomiting, and is quite soothing to the 
nerves. 

Locally it is a good wash to either the mouth, the vagina 
or the rectum, in case of either ulceration or irritation. 

It is splendid as a wash for cold sore eyes. 

POTENTILLA tormentilla. 

Torwventilla. 

The roots are a mild, stimulating astringent, chiefly in- 
tiuencing the alvine mucous membrane and is serviceable 
m the ordinary forms of diarrheal and mild hemorrhages- 



PRUNUS. 4.31 

PRINOS VERTICILLATOS. 
Black Alder. (Ilex Verticillatos;. 

This bark is a mild, stimulating, tonic alterative, in- 
fluencing chiefly the alvine mucous membrane and the 
secernents. It is a mild laxative to the bowels and a gen- 
tle hepatic and cholagogue. It is of service in biliousness, 
jaundice, atonic dyspepsia and dropsy arising from secer- 
nent failure. 

The berries are more cathartic and less hepatic. 

PRUNELLA VULGARIS. 

Heal All . 

This herb is a mild stimulating astringent influencing 
the mucous membrane, throughout. To the throat it may 
be used as a gargle. It is soothing and toning to the urin- 
ary organs and will be of service in diabetes. It is a good 
addition to cough syrups, is serviceable in chronic bron- 
chitis and phthisis where the expectoration is too free. 

PRUNUS DOMESTICA. 

Prune. France. 

This fruit is a pleasant nutritious laxative, and may be 
used in the relief of the habit of constipation, but if used 
too freely it may occasion flatulence. 

PRUNUS INSTIT1A RUBRUM. 

Wild Red Plum. 

The bark of the root is a relaxing and somewhat stimu- 
lating agent influencing the mucous membrane especially 
of the respiratory organs. A syrup made from an infusion 
is an excellent agent for asthma. 

PRUNUS VIRGINIANA. 
Wild Cherry. (P. Serotina.) 

The bark of the root is the best but the bark of the 
trunk is as frequently used. This is a mild, soothing, 
stimulating, astringent tonic to the mucous membrane 
especially of the respiratory organs and of the alvine canal. 

To the former it is a valuable tonic expectorant and 
to the latter it is a most excellent tonic, very mildly astrin- 
gent if the alcoholic extract be used. 

Its tonic influence is felt by the liver and gall ducts and 
it is serviceable in the jaundice of children. For this pur- 



432 PRUNUS. 

pose use an aqueous extract, made by putting cold water 
on the finely-cut fresh bark and frequently shaking for a 
few hours. Make it frequently fresh and use it very free- 
ly. It is successful. 

Boiling dissipates the soothing property, but makes a ti 
excellent preparation for chronic diarrhoea. 

The fresh bark is much to be preferred. Grind or pound 
up line the fresh bark and put into a self-sealing jar; pour 
boiling hot syrup over it and seal it up. Let it stand a few 
days and then pour it off. You have then the nicest syrup 
of primus that can be made. Or it may be made in this 
way: Take prunus 6 ounces, steep in one pint of hot water 
three hours. Then strain and add It pounds of granulated 
sugar and two ounces of glycerine. 

Prunus improves the appetite, enlivens the digestion 
and tones the whole system. It is one of those agents 
whose influence may be directed to either the digestive or 
the respiratory organs, according to the agents with which 
it is combined, or the necessities of vitality in the individ- 
ual case. 

It quiets nervous irritability and relieves arterial excite, 
ment. 

In chronic gastritis, weak digestion, typhoid fev»r, chol- 
era infantum, diarrhoea, convalescence, and in diseases of 
the respiratory organs this agent cannot be too highly 
praised. In acute and irritable coughs it is a tonic expec- 
torant of the highest value. 

In moist catarrh a fine powder may be used as a snuff or 
the infusion may be atomized. Thus inhaled it will be of 
much benefit also to the lungs 

As a wash in ophthalmia it soothes, cleanses and tones 
weak, irritated and inflamed conditions, whether it be 
from simple, scrofulous or specific cause. 

It is one of the best washes for a weak or inflamed vagi- 
na and for the relief of a mild leucorrhoea. 
F. E. Prunus Virg. 

11 Cornus Flor. aa. dr. iv 

" Myrica Cer. dr. ii 

" Xanthoxylum Frax. gtta. xv 
Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. vi 

Teaspoonful four times a day for chronic diarrhoea. 

Prunus, glyoyrrhiza, yerba santa and solidago in equal 
parts form an admirable troche for weak throat. 



PTEROCARPTJS. 433 

Detannated prunus may be consistently mixed with iron 
preparations. 

PTELEA TRIFOLIATA. 
Wafer Ash. 

The bark of the roots is a mild stimulating tonic, influ- 
encing chiefly the mucous membrane, alvine and respira- 
tory. 

In hot infusion it moderately influences the circulation. 

Large and frequent doses are rather irritating to the 
stomach. Small doses are suited to gastric and alvine tor- 
por, as in diarrhoea, cholera infantum, gastric and intesti- 
nal catarrh. Also in bronchial catarrh it may be added to 
cough syrups with a good stimulating result. 

Ftelein is the oleo-resin which, triturated on sugar, may 
be used for the same general purposes as other prepara- 
tions of this agent. 

Ptelea-Pepsin (10 to 30] is a good compound for languid 
conditions of the gastric and intestinal mucous membrane, 
as in cholera infantum. 

PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM. 

Kino. East and West Indies. 

This gum obtained by incisions in the bark of the tree 
is a positive astringent gently stimulating, soothing and 
toning rather than drying. Its influence upon the alvine 
mucous membrane makes it an excellent agent in all forms 
of diarrhoea and dysentery, whether of infant or adult and 
whether acute or chronic. 

It is one of the best applications for lucorrhoea, a weak 
vagina and prolapsus uteri. 

In hemorrhages, whether from the lungs, stomach or 
bowels, it renders good service used both locally and con- 
stitutionally. 

The fluid extract will frequently stop the toothache. 

Cold water is very slow in dissolving kino. Hot water 
is much better. For immediate use I like this much bet- 
ter than the tincture or fluid extract, which so frequently 
gelatinizes and loses its astringency. 
I have used it a few times successfully in oedema glottidis. 

PTEROCARPUS SANTILANUS. 
lied Saunders. India, Ceylon 

This wood has but little >mell or taste It imparts its. 



434 PYROLA. 

color to alcohol but not to water, being a resinous princi- 
ple, soluble in hot water and in alcohol, and but slightly 
soluble in the fixed oils with the exception of oil lavender 
and oil rosemary. Its chief use is that of coloring aiedi- 
cines, especially liniments, to make them more showy 
rather than adding any quality. 

PUNICA GRANATUM. 

Pomegranate. Asia, Africa, West ^Indies. 

The bark of the root is an anthelmintic for the expulsion 
of the round, pin and tape worms. A strong infusion may 
be used for all these purposes. Large doses may nauseate 
hence it should be used in small and frequent doses Of 
course in case of tape worm the patient should fast as long 
as he conveniently can prior to taking this dose, and it 
should be followed by a full dose of antibilious physic. If 
unsuccessful repeat in a few days. 

The flowers and rind of the fruit are quite astringent 
and are valuable in diarrhoea and in the night sweats of 
phthisis. 

PYCNANTHEMUM INCANUM. 
Wild Basil. 

This herb is an aromatic, diffusive, relaxing and stimu- 
lating antispasmodic nervine. In hot infusion it influences 
the circulation and is useful for colds, catarrhal fever, the 
exanthems, malarial fever, infantile convulsions It will 
be rendered more diffusive by the addition of a little zin- 
giber. 

PYCNANTHEMUM MONTA^TM. 
Mountain Mint. 
This species may lie used for the same general purposes. 

PYROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA. 
False Wintergreen. 

The leaves are a mild, diffusive, stimulating, astringent 
tonic influencing the mucous membrane throughout. 

With agents that especially influence the bronchi it Ls 
an expectorant. 

With those that influence particularly the uterus and 
vagina it stimulates and tones. 

In enuresis it gives favorable results, and also in diabe- 



QUlSRCUS. 435 

tes. It decreases the irritation of the membrane and the 
amount of the urine. 

In chronic diarrhoea it tones and astringes the alvine 
mucous membrane. 

It is a good wash for cleansing foul ulcers and a good 
gargle for sore throat. 

PYRUS MALUS. 
Apple Tree. 

The bark of this tree cooked in lard forms an excellent 
application for burns and scalds It quickly relieves and 
heals. 

QUERCUS ALBA. 

White Oak. 

The inner bark of all the oaks yield a large proportion 
of tannin, and are largely used in the process of tanning 
leather. It is a stimulating tonic astringent and a power- 
ful arrestor of hemorrhages whether external or internal. 

Locally it may be applied to sores, bruises, tetter, ring- 
worm, scaly eruptions and to prevent the falling out of the 
hair. 

It forms a good astringent wash for prolapsus uteri, pro- 
lapsus ani or relaxed vagina, spongy or bleeding gums, and 
for hardening them when false teeth are to be used. It is 
a good gargle for some forms of sore throat, ulcerated or 
inflamed, and in light cases of diphtheria. 

Per rectum it may be used for hemorrhoids, fissures and 
prolapsus ani. 

Locally it is a good wash for sweaty and tender feet. 

Internally it may be used for diarrhoea, acute or chronic. 
Zingiber, xanthoxylum or capsicum make it more stimu- 
lating and diffusive. 

For night sweats it may be used either locally or consti- 
tutionally or both. 

F. E. Quercus Al. 10 

Tr. Capsicum I 

Glycerin 20 

This Is for either external or internal use. 

The acorns are a mild, stimulating, tonic alterative. 

QUERCUS LUSITANICA. 

Nut- Galls. 
The excrescences upon the young branches formed by 



436 QUJSRCUS. 

the puncture of a fly and immediately thereafter the de- 
posit of an egg. The egg hatches, the fly grows and finally 
escapes. These excrescences are denominated nut-galls 
and from them is obtained 

Acidum Tannicum, a pure astringent without the 
stimulation. It is a very light powder readily dissolving 
in water. Tannin may be used upon a bleeding surface or 
used internally for hemorrhages and for diarrhoea. 

Tannin and powdered lobelia seed in vaseline forms a 
good ointment for hemorrhoids, or the powders may be 
enclosed and inserted in gelatine capsules for rectal itch- 
ing and painful hemorrhoids. The tannin itself may be 
used in case of prolapsus ani. 

Tannic Acid enters into the Pile Suppositories made by 
C. T. Bedford which a great many of the profession have 
found very effective in the treatment of rectal troubles. 

Tannin and quinine in equal parts in syrup of zingiber 
forms a good preparation for cholera infantum when the 
discharge is watery and the patient weak. 

Tannin has been successfully used to remove tattoo 
marks. Cover the parts with a saturated solution of tan- 
nin and pick into the skin. Then rub with lunar caustic 
and allow to turn black. Now wash off the excess. It will 
pain for some two or three days. In fourteen to eighteen 
days the scab peels off and leaves a pink surface which dis- 
appears in a month or two. 

Papoid is said to do this as well as tannin, and milk- 
weed may be used for the same purpose. 

In this way many birth marks may be removed, and 
many may be removed by the use of a sun glass. Burn the 
surface and heal the wound. 

Dissolve tannin in 45 p. c. alcohol and add lint to form 
a covering for raw and bleeding surfaces. It excludes the 
air and prevents hemorrhage. 

Tannin dr. ii 

Glycerine oz. i 

Apply during the ninth month of pregnancy to toughen 
the nipples, and in cases of sore nipples. 

Tannin grs. xv 

Sulphur Lactate dr. ss 

Petrolatum dr. v 

This is a good application for barber's itch. 



QUERCUS. 437 

Tannin 

Pul. Acacia Vera aa. dr. iss 

Tr. Arnica Flowers dr. iiss 

Paint the surface with this every five minutes until 
thick and hard. It will usually abort a boil. 

Tannin grs. x 

Sulph. Quinia grs. v 

Aqua oz. ii 

Wash the lids with a little of this in purulent ophthal- 
mia. 

Acidmn Gallicum is chiefly made from nut-galls and is 
a pure astringent. It is a good preparatioo for internal 
use as it does not act so fully on the mucous membrane 
and produce so much constipation. It is valuable for gas- 
tric, respiratory, cystic or uterine hemorrhages. 

QUERCUS RUBRA. 
Red Oak. 

The bark of this variety may be used for the same gen- 
eral purposes as that of the other varieties. In cancer, as 
an escharotic use concentrated potash made from the 
ashes of red oak bark. Apply until the cancer is removed, 
and then overspread the surface with pure honey. 

QUERCUS TINCTORIA. 
Black Oak. 

The bark of this variety is more bitter and mere stimu- 
lating than that of the alba, and is more suitable for very 
torpid conditions. It exerts about the same astringency 
as the alba and is a better application for old sores, tetter, 
ringworm and some eczemas. An infusion is the usual 
method of administering. 

Py-oak tannin or blue methyline is a successful applica- 
tion for old ulcers. 

RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 
Butter Cup. 

This plant has a solid, fleshy, turnip shaped root. Its 
flowers appear in May and June in the shape of small cups 
of a yellow color. 

The green root is quite acrid and stimulating when ap- 
plied to the surface. An ointment made by simmering 
the root in lard is useful as an application to glandular 
swellings and scrofulous sores-. 



438 RHEUM. 

RHAMOTS CATHARTICA. 
Buckthorn. 

The berries furnish a juice which is quite a stimulating 
cathartic, and in large doses produces nausea, griping and 
watery stools. But most of these symptoms by being ad- 
ministered in syr. zingiberis are prevented. 

RHAMNUS FRANGULA. 

Buckthorn. 

This is the European variety. It is a mild, stimulating 
laxative and cholagogue It leaves a moderate tonic im- 
pression. In large doses it is fairly cathartic. For more 
tonic purposes combine it with euonymous, when it will 
be valued for habitual constipation arising from indiges- 
tion. 

RHAMNU8 PURSHIANA. 
Cascara Sagruda. California. 

The barkisa very bitter tonic, a slow, mild, stimulating 
hepatic. Its influence is chiefly expended upon the stom- 
ach, liver, gall ducts and bowels. It is of value in chronic 
constipation, torpor of the stomach and liver and chronic 
dyspepsia. It influences peristaltic action but is more 
tonic than cathartic. 

F. E. Rhamnus Pursh, oz. i 

Syr. Juglans (in. q. s. oz. iv 

This is an admirable hepatic and alvine tonic to be 
given morning and evening or at night only to overcome 
constipation. 

RHEUM OFFICINALE. 
Rhubarb. . ^R- Palmatum.) Turkey, India. 

The root is a mild, stimulating tonic to the alvine mu- 
cous membrane, the liver and gall ducts. In large doses 
it is cathartic, but its tonic influence borders on astrin- 
gency, and hence some slight constipation may follow its 
use. It is therefore not the agent to assist in overcoming 
chronic constipation, but its tonic hepatic influence is 
valuable in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and 
cholera infantum. Heat somewhat increases its astrin- 
gency. In such cases it is therefore best boiled or roasted. 
Calcined radix rhei is prepared by burning the root in an 
iron vessel till easily puherized. Give doses of 3 to 5 grs.. 



RHEUM. 439 

or use one dram to a half teacup of boiling water. Give 
ateaspoonful as required from fifteen minutes to three 
hours for cholera infantum, or use rheum, prunus and 
mentha piperita in equal parts, with one-fourth part bi- 
carbonate soda. Triturate well and add a heaping tea- 
spoonful to a half cup of boiling water. Give one or two 
teaspoonsful after each operation of the bowels. 

Rheum cleanses the mucous membrane of viscid mucous, 
and while large doses prove cathartic, small and frequent 
doses are wmic hepatic. The addition of some alkaline 
preparation, as bicarbonate soda, bicarbonate potassa or 
bitartrate potassa, relieves acidity and increases its 
cathartic power. 

Comp. Syr. Rhei et Potassa? is a valuable compound for 
the making of which many diiferent formulae are used. 



Rheum 


oz. viii 


Rheum 






Cassia Cin. 


oz. iv 


Potas. Bicarb. 


aa oz. 


ii 


Potas. Bicarb. 


oz. i 


Hydrastis 


oz. 


i 


Hydrastis 


oz. iv 


Oil Cinnamon 


M. 


20 


Oil Peppermint 


M. 30 


Oil Peppermint 


M. 


20 



Dr. Bedford has put upon the market a Syr. Rhei et Po- 
tassa Comp, composed of the purest Turkey rhubarb inade- 
P. M. formula, but double strength, as suggested by Prof. 
Geo. Hasty. It is a very reliable neutralizing mixture and 
an efficient syrup. 

He also manufactures a neutralizing mixture according to 
Prof. Anthony's suggestion of the same agents minus the 
syrup. In many cases where children are suffering from 
cholera infantum the syrup is objectionable on account of 
its fermentative tendency and here the neutralizing mix- 
ture acts grandly. 

Rheum oz. xvi 

Bicarb. Potas. oz. vi 

Add these to one gallon of strong green peppermint infu- 
sion and sweeten to suit. Zingiber and hydrastis may be 
added if desired. 

Rheum, hydrastis, cinnamon and bicarbonate of potassa 
in equal parts, with one-fifth part pancreatine, may be 
formed into tablets of convenient size and be used for 
some forms of indigestion; or rheum and calcined magne- 
sia in equal parts with a half part of zingiber may be used 
for the same purpose. 



440 ItHTJS. 

Pul. Rheum grs. iii 

Leptandrin grs. ii 

Hydrastia Sulphate gr. 1-10 

This may be formed into a pill or used in a capsule. 
Each pint of the Comp. Tincture represents 

Rheum oz. xvi 

Cardamon Seed 

Saffron 

Coriander Seed aa. oz. ii 

Each pint of Rheum, Aromatic, represents 

Rheum oz. x 

Cinnamon 

Cloves aa. oz. ii 

Nutmeg oz. i 

Each pint of Rheum, Sweet, represents 

Rheum oz. 6| 

Glycyrrhiza 

Anise aa. oz. 2t 

Cardamon oz. i 

RHUS AROMATICA. 
Fragrant, Svmach. (R. Canadensis.) 

This bush is of straggling growth three to seven feet 
high. It has a sweetish and rather pleasant perfume, 
especially if the leaves be crushed. The flowers are pale 
yellow; the fruit is globular, clothed with acid, crimson 
hairs. 

The bark of fche root is a stimulating, astringent tonic, 
influencing the mucous membrane and especially that of 
the urinary and alvine departments. 

This is a valuable remedy in the treatment of enuresis. 
Fifteen drops of the fluid extract may be given two to five 
times a day. 

In diabetes 30 or 40 drops may be given as required. 
F. E. Rhus Arom. dr. iii F. E. Rhus Arom. 
Elix. Aromat. oz. iss " Celastrus Scan. aa. oz. i 

Aq. Cinnamon q.s. ad. oz. iii Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv 

These formulae may be used in enuresis, diabetes or 
Bright's disease; or use 
F. E. Rhus Arom. 
Glycerin 
Syr. Simpl. 
Aqua 
As a tonic astringent it is of much importance in diar- 







oz. 


ss 








oz. 


ii 








dr. 


SS' 






Q- 


s. oz. 


iv 




is 


of much 


i in 


iportance 



RHUS. 441 

rboea, dysentery and cholera infantum; also in hemor- 
rhages from any organ or part. It is a very serviceable 
agent during the menopause with those of hemorrhagic 
diathesis. 

RHUS GLABRA. 
Sumach. 

The leaves, berries and bark are all more or less posi- 
tive astringents. The leaves are the least astringent, but 
are valuable in dysentery and hemorrhages of lungs or 
uterus. 

The bark is more stimulating, astringing and toning, 
and is valuable for leucorrhoea, inflammation of the blad- 
der, and for rectal troubles, chronic diarrhoea and rectal 
hemorrhages. A hot infusion gives a somewhat fuller out- 
ward circulation. It is a good wash for aphthous sore 
mouth and spongy gums. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener has with this agent cured several cases 
of prolapsus ani, and several cases of prolapsus uteri that 
had by others been pronounced incurable. 

The berries are a pleasant acid astringent. Fill a vessel 
full of berries, cover with boiling water and steep a half- 
hour. Then strain and sweeten to suit the taste. This is 
a good beverage to allay irritation of the bladder and in 
the treatment of diabetes and for the relief of bloody 
urine. 

Combined with pineapple syrup it is an expectorant, and 
is also useful in diphtheria. It may be atomized or gar- 
gled. Dr. F. G. Hoener uses the following gargle for sore 
throat and diphtheria: 

Aci. Rhus Glabra Bac. oz. iv 

Elix. Phytolacca Rad. 
Syr. Pineapple aa. oz. i 

M. S. Spray the throat as often as necessary, and use 
internally the following: 

Elix. Betonica Lane. 

" Eupatorium Perf. aa. oz. iss 
Tr. Capsicum dr. ii 

Syr. Simplex dr. vi 

M. S. One teaspoonful or more hourly, and if thirsty 
drink hot lemonade between times. 



442 RUBUS. 

RIBES NIGRUM. 

Black Currant. 

The fruit is a pleasant, nutritious, mildly stimulating 
astringent useful in diarrhoea. 
The root in hot infusion is a stimulating diaphoretic. 

RIBES EUBKUM. 
Red Currant. 

This fruit forms an acidulated drink admirable in con- 
valescence, especially from fevers. It is an appetizer and 
assists digestion. 

The root is a stimulating diaphoretic when used in hot 
infusion, and is very valuable says Dr. Bryson when the 
eruption of measles is very tardy. An infusion of the 
leaves and branches produces nearly as good results as a 
stimulating diaphoretic. 

ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS. 

Rosemary. 

The leaves are a diffusive stimulant and relaxant. In 
hot infusion they influence the circulation toward the 
surface and produce diaphoresis and soothe the nerves. It 
is chiefly used as a vehicle. 

RUBUS CANADENSIS. 
Dewberry. 

RUBUS VILLOSUS. 
Blackberry. 

The roots of these two varieties are much alike medi- 
cally. They are a positive astringent tonic, influencing 
chiefly the alvine mucous membrane, giving good results 
in acute and chronic dysentery and diarrhoea, prolapsus 
ani and rectal hemorrhages. 

Locally it is a good wash for aphthous sore mouth and 
bleeding or spongy gums, and to the vagina in leucorrhoea, 
prolapsus uteri and lax vagina. 

The berries are a pleasant and nutritious fruit, soothing 
to weak and irritable stomachs, and useful in diarrhoea and 
cholera infantum. For this purpose remove the seeds and 
prepare a cordial as follows: 



Juice of Bei 


Ties 


oz. ii 


Allspice 






Zingiber. 






Cinnamon 




aa. dr. ii 


Cloves 




grs. iii 



RUMEX. 443 

Blackberry Juice qrt. i 

Sugar lb. i 

Nutmeg 

Cinnamon aa. oz. ss 

Cloves 

Allspice aa. dr. ii 

In either formula bring the berries to the boiling point. 

Tie the spices in a piece of muslin and put into the berry 

juice; simmer one hour, covered. Press out the spices and 

add li lbs. granulated sugar. 

RUBUS STRIGOSUS. 
Red Raspberry . 

The leaves are a mild, pleasant, soothing, diffusive, 
stimulating, astringent tonic. It allays nausea, sustains 
the nerves, and tones the mucous membrane. It is effect- 
ive in acute and chronic dysentery and diarrhoea. It is 
also of much service in urethral irritation. It soothes the 
kidneys and urinary ducts. When needed it also sustains 
the uterus and stops hemorrhage. In ophthalmia it is a 
tirst-class wash. In leucorrhoea, gonorrhoea, dysentery 
and diarrhoea it is a good injection. 

No. 6 gtta. x 

Infusion Rubus Strig. oz. iv 

will be found useful in diabetes. 

The expressed juice of the fruit is very nourishing in 
convalescence and for weak stomachs. 

RUDBECKIA LANCINATA. 
Thimble Weed- 

The flowers arid leaves are a- moderately bitter, diffu- 
sive, balsamic, alterative tonic. It tones the kidneys, 
increases the flow of urine, is useful in renal congestions, 
catarrhal cystitis and in the beginning of Bright's disease. 
It also soothes andtones the digestive and the generative 
organs, and in hot infusion it influences the circulation 
and soothes the nervous system. 

It is an excellent addition to alteratives Dr. F. G. 
Hoener combines it with tri folium pra tense flowers in the 
treatment of gastric cancer. 

RUMEX ACETOSELLUS. 

Sheep Sorrel. 
This herb is a positive stimulant which may be made 



444 SABBATIA. 

into a soft extract for application to indolent ulcers and 
cancers. 

KUMEX CRISPUS. 
Yellow Dock. 

The root is aamild, slow, stimulating, tonic alterative. 
It influences the mucous membrane, the skin and the 
secernents generally. It is of much importance in all 
forms of scrofula, skin diseases, syphilis, ophthalmia and 
glandular troubles. 

It is somewhat laxative to the bowels, is both hepatic 
and cholagogue and assists in the process of assimilation. 

The fresh roots of rumex digested in fresh cream or lard 
and then strained is useful for swellings, irritations, scrof- 
ulous sores, scaldhead, eczema, tetter and itch. 
Rumex 160 F. E. Rumex dr. iv 

Celastrus " Celastrus 

Ampelopsis •' Ampelopsis 

Euonymous aa. 80 " Euonymous aa. dr. ii 

Oil Anise " Syr.Zingiber. q.s. oz. iv 

" Sassafras aa. 1 

Rosewater 5 

Either of these are good alteratives. 

SABBATIA ANNULARIS. 
American Century. 

This herb is a positive, diffusive, stimulating tonic to 
the heart, stomach, liver, generative organs and nervous 
system. In hot infusion it promotes the menses and influ- 
ences a good outward circulation. 

Cold preparations increase the appetite, assist digestion 
and assimilation in languid conditions, chronic dyspepsia 
and general debility. It is a good hepatic, maintains the 
portal circulation, but is best combined with more positive 
agents. 

It is a good antiperiodic, and an efficient nervine tonic 
in nervous prostration, hysteria and general debility, the 
night sweats of phthisis, in chronic dysentery and diar- 
rhoea, and in convalescence from fevers. 

Its tonic power over the stomach makes it a good vermi- 
fuge. 

SABBATIA ELLIOTTII, 
Quinine- Flower. S. E. United States. 

The root is a stimulating, tonic nervine, antiperiodic 




Salix. 445 

and anthelmintic. It may be used instead of quinine as 
an antiperiodic. A hot infusion used freely does well, but 
where large doses are given patients experience tinnitus 
aurium similar to that arising from quinine. 

SABAL SERRULATA. 
Saw Palmetto. (Serenoa Serrulata.) 

The berries are a mild, stimulating, tonic alterant, in- 
fluencing the mucous membrane throughout but especially 
that of the urinary tract. It is a valuable agent in the 
relief of renal and cystic catarrh, prostatitis, sexual impo- 
tency, masturbation, irritation or inflammation of the 
renal mucous membrane and painful micturation. 

H. K. Wampole&Oo's preparation of Raw Palmetto Wine 
is palatable and efficient. Each teaspoon ful representing 30 
grs. of the fresh saw palmetto berries. Securing the fresh 
berries in proper season and by special manipulation, they 
have prepared a wine, representing fifty per cent, of the 
fresh berries. 

An excellent expectorant, it soothes the mucous mem- 
brane in coryza, acute and chronic laryngitis and bronchitis. 
It increases appetite and digestion, and imparts tone and 
vigor to the organs of nutrition. 

It is soothing and toning to the urinary and reproductive 
organs in cystitis, urethritis, pyelitis and sexual neuras- 
thenia. 

It is valuable in enuresis, in impotence, masturbation 
and sexual execesses. 

Sabal Ser. 20 

Carum Petrosel. 3 

Cola Acum. 6 

Santalum Album. 4 

Aromatics q. s. 

This is a good tonic diuretic. 

SACCHARUM LaCTLS. 

Sugar of Milk, Lactin. 

Lactin forms only about 5 per cent, of milk. It is fre- 
quently used in which to triturate oils and bitter medi- 
cines. 

SALIX ALBA. 
White Willow. 
The bark is an intensely, bitter, stimulating, tonic ner- 



446 salix. 

vine, slightly astringent. As an antiperiodic it probably 
stands near to quinine, and is much less exciting to the 
nerve centres. 

It is useful in general debility, chronic diarrhoea, chron- 
ic dysentery, convalesence from fevers, and in hot infusion 
stimulates the circulation. 

An infusion made of the tags is excellent for salt rheum 
and running sores. 

Salacin is an excellent tonic, nervine and antiperiodic. 
It relieves neuralgia and tones in convalesence. A small 
portion of capsicum may be added when desired. 

It may be used for after pains and rheumatism. 
Salacin grs. x 

Xanthoxylin grs. v 

Lactin grs. xl 

Make into five powders and use every four hours for 
rheumatism. 

Acidum Salicylicum is derived from salicin by fusion 
with potas. hydrate or from gaultheria by saponification 
with potas, hydrate solution, but mostly treating sodium 
phenol or carbonate with carbon dioxide gas. 

It is odorless, slightly astringent and somewhat irrita- 
ting to the fauces and increases the saliva. It has but 
little influence on digestion more than to control fermen- 
tation but is quite stimulating to the nerve centers. 

A solution of this agent applied once or twice to ring- 
worm usually cures it, and gives good results when applied 
to soft chancre and syphilitic condylomata, and with lard 
or glycerine it forms a good ointment, 10 grains to one 
ounce. 

Acidum Salicylicum 32 

Cimicifugin 10 

Potassii Iodidum 9 

Xanthoxylin 2 

Triturate on Lactin. 

This is a valuable prescription for rheumatism, gout or 
lumbago. 

Sodli Salicylas. To 100 parts salicylic acid with water 
to form a paste, add 104 parts carbonate of sodium. Car- 
bonic acid gas will be evolved and the salicylate of sodium 
remain. It acts nearly the same as the acid but is not 
irritating, is more soluble and is more rapidly absorbed. 



SALIX. 44: 



Sod. Salicy. 


dr. i 


Potas. lod. 


dr. ss 


F. E. Xanthox. 


gtta xv 


Comp. Gentian 


%. s. oz. iv 



M. S. i to 1 teaspoonful in water every three hours for 
rheumatism. 

Sod. Salicy. may be used in some water in doses of 2 to 10 
grains every 2 hours for rheumatism. 

McCoy, Howe Co., Indianapolis, manufacture Boro-Sali- 
cylicum a seventy-five per cent, solution, a powerful anti- 
septic, germicide and prophylactic, adapted to the use of 
surgeons, gynecologists, dentists, and the general prac- 
titioner. 

It is non-toxic, non-irritant, non-corroding, non-escha- 
rotic. It is mild, yet powerful. Each fluid ounce repre- 
sents the antiseptic power of one hundred grains of boric 
acid and one hundred grains of salicylic acid combined 
with glycerine in a permanent and soluble form. It is 
antiseptic and antizymotic. adapted to internal or local 
use, to create and maintain asepsis, and may be used as a 
spray, by atomization, irrigation or simple application, 
and causes rapid, healthy granulation and with but little 
suppuration. Locally, use i to £ strength: per vaginam ± 
strength; or internally 5 to 20 drops in water three or more 
times daily. 

In chronic cystitis and chronic urethritis it is a valuable 
local application. 

SALIX ERfOCEPHALA. 

Swamp Willow. - 

The leaves in hot infusion give good results in entero- 
colitis. 

SALIX NIGRA. 
Black Willow, 

The bark of the roots is a positive, bitter, tonic nervine- 
It seems to direct its chief influence to the generative 
organs, where it allays irritation and restores vigor to the 
entire sexual tract. Taken before retiring it quiets the 
nerves and prevents lascivious dreams and nocturnal emis- 
sions. 

Dr. G. H. Mayhugh recommends the following for sperm- 
atorrhoea: 



448 SAMBUCUS. 

F. E. Salix Nigra 

" Celastrus Scan. aa. oz. ii 

Syr. Simplex oz. iv 

M. Sig. One or two teaspoonsful in water four times a 
day. 

The aments are a stimulating, astringent tonic especi- 
ally influencing the genito-uri nary organs of both sexes. 
It is of importance in nymphomania, onanism,. seminal 
incontinence, ovaritis, cystitis, prostatitis, spermatorrhoea 
and nocturnal emissions. It relieves irritation, soothes 
the nerves and tones the organs. 

SALIX PURPUREA. 

Rose Willow. 

The bark of the roots has about the same properties as 
nigra, 

SALVIA OFFICINALIS. 

Sage. 

The leaves are a pleasant, mild, diffusive, stimulating 
tonic, slightly astringent. In hot infusion it is gently 
diaphoretic and quite soothing to the nerves. It cleanses 
and tones the mucous membrane and may be profitably 
used in throat troubles from colds and in respiratory, 
stomach or bowel troubles from the same cause. 

Cold preparations are diuretic and excellent in night 
sweats, and are sometimes used for the removal of the 
stomach worm. 

Infusion of Sage oz. ii 

Powd. Borax dr. i 

Honey to sweeten. Apply to mouth ulcers 

SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS. 

Elder. 

The flowers are a mild, diffusive, relaxing diaphoretic 
and alterant. When given in hot infusion it is excellent 
for the removal of colds and feverish conditions therefrom, 
also in measles and chicken-pox. It influences the glandu- 
lar system and is an excellent addition to some alterative 
compounds. Its relaxing influence is felt by all the secero- 
ents. It is a gentle laxative for children and is very 
soothing to the nerves. 

They form a fine soothing poultice to any inflamed part. 

Cold preparations are diuretic. 






SANGUINARIA. 449 

The bark is a .stimulating cathartic. It thoroughly 
arouses the alvine mucous membrane and is excellent for 
the cleansing and toning of that membrane in cases of 
gastric and intestinal ulceration and in catarrhal condi- 
tions. It is a good gastric tonic and anthelmintic. 

An infusion is a good wash for the cleansing of sores. 

Boil the green bark till the fluid is a soft extract. Then 
combine with vaseline and you have an excellent salve for 
old sores, eczema rubrum, etc. 

The fruit is nutritive and medicinal. It influences all 
the secernents and is mildly laxative. It may be made 
into a wine or jelly and partaken with profit in convales- 
cence. 

SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS. 
Blood-Boot. 

The fresh root is a very harsh, positive stimulant to the 
mucous membrane; the dry root is much less so. It influ- 
ences the mucous membrane, the secernents and the 
glandular system. Large doses are quite nauseating. As 
an alterant it is excellent in glandular troubles, scrofula 
and skin diseases. It is useful in diphtheria internally 
and externally, and in the cleansing of old sores in prepa- 
ration for a healing dressing. 

It is one of the best additions to cough syrups; it 
cleanses the mucous membrane, induces expectoration and 
relieves irritation of the bronchi. With acetous syrup of 
lobelia, or the 3rd. prep, of lobelia, it is unexcelled in the 
treatment of membranous croup. The combination must 
be proportioned to the age of the child and the severity of 
the case Give every few minutes until the child vomits 
and expels the membrane. Then give small doses at longer 
intervals to prevent a recurrence. In asthma sanguinaria 
is a valuable addition to lobelia, and in whooping cough a 
small portion with the acetous syrup of lobelia is a success. 
Give enough and give frequently enough to compel the 
spasmodic efforts to cease. 

In sluggish cases it is a good emmenagogue. 

An infusion of only moderate strength may be used as 
an injection in case of leucorrhcea but not where the vagi- 
na is irritated. 

Sanguinaria may be combined with hepatics in torpid 
catarrhal conditions of the alvine membrane. Toning 
agents will thfen be more effective. 



450 SARBACENIA. 

The acetous tincture is made by heating acetum oz. xvi 
to the boiling point and adding to oz. iv of powd. sangui- 
naria, 

Combined with glycerin the infusion or fluid extract will 
invigorate the hair follicles and prevent the falling out of 
the hair, whether as a result of fever or other causes; but 
it will not make hair grow on bald heads. Applied to the 
skin when inflamed by poisonous contact it will promptly 
relieve the itching and burning. 

Sanguinaria and lobelia may be used in equal parts in 
cases of pruritus. 

The nitrate of sanguinaria is an escharotic. 

Prof. E. G. Anthony makes a pencil of the acetous tr. 
sanguinaria with starch and tragacanth for application to 
granular eye lids. 

SANICULA MARILANDICA. 
S article. 

The root is a mild, aromatic, diffusive, stimulating and 
relaxing agent. Hot infusions are moderately diaphoretic 
and nervine and may be used for colds with feverish ness, 
whether of the head or the respiratory organs; also in the 
fever stage of the eruptive diseases, especially in measles. 

SANTALUM ALBUM. 

Sandal Wood, Yellow or White Saunders. 

India, Ceylon. 

This evergreen glabrous tree grows 20 to 30 feet high 
and 8 to 3 feet in circumference, having a brownish bark. 

The wood chips yield an oil. Either is a mild, aromat- 
ic, astringent tonic. In pharmacy it is sometimes used to 
color liquids, especially liniments. It is frequently used 
as a substitute for copaiba in gonorrhoea, gleet, or other 
urethral irritations. 

SARRACENIA PURPUREA. 
Pitcher Plant. 

The root is a mild relaxing and stimulating diaphoretic. 
When given in hot infusion it is very valuable in measles, 
scarlatina, small-pox, chicken-pox and other contagious 
eruptive diseases. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following for such 
conditions: 



SCKOFHULAKIA. 451 

Sarracenia Purp. 

Sambucus Can. 

Eupatorium Pert", aa. equal parts. 

SASSAFRAS OFFICINALE. 

Sassafras. (S. Variifolium.j 

The inner bark of the trunk and root is a pleasant, aro- 
matic, warming, stimulating alterathe. The wood and 
bark are frequently used as a pleasant alterant beverage, a 
popular drink in Spring when the bark has its greatest 
strength. It influences the glandular system, and is valu- 
able in cases of varicose ulcers and those of a scrofulous 
nature. Give an infusion and poultice the sore with sassa- 
fras and ulmus. A poultice is also valuable for bruises, 
congested swellings, and chronic abscesses. 

In hot infusion it is diaphoretic, nervine and emmena- 
gogue. 

The oil is used for scabies and other contagious erup- 
tions. It is a good stimulating and relaxing nervine for 
bruises, sprains, congestions, inflammations, rheumatism 
and neuralgic swellings. 
Oil Sassafras 1 Oil Sassafras 

F. E. Lobelia " Cinnamon 

" Cypripedium aa. 4 " Cloves in equal parts. 

The former is a stimulating and relaxing liniment and 
the latter a stimulating liniment. 

Oil Sassafras gtta. i 

Ha in Water dr. i 

forms an application for ulceration of the cornea. 

The pith in the young shoots in cool water forms a mu- 
cilaginous wash of excellent service in acute and chronic 
ophthalmia. It soothes and heals. Gather the pith in 
spring and allow to dry. 

SATUREIA HORTENSIS. 
Summer Savory. 

This herb in hot infusion is a mild, aromatic, stimulat- 
ing diaphoretic useful in colds, feverishness, and for the 
relief of the menses when stopped by cold. 

SCROPHULARIA NODOSA. 

Carpenter 's Square . 
The leaves are a mild, relaxing and gently stimulating 



452 SCUTlSLARIA. 

alterative, influencing the secernents and useful in scrof- 
ula and skin diseases. 

It tones the pelvic viscera, increases the quantity of 
urine, and soothes and strengthens the generative organs. 



SCUTELARIA LATERIFLORA. 

Scullcap. 

This herb is a positive, diffusive, permanent, stimulat- 
ing nervine. 

It is bitter but not nauseating. Its chief influence is 
spent upon the nervous system. It is an excellent agent 
in nervous prostration. In its way it is fully as stimulat- 
ing as quinia, but its influence is more general than that 
of quinine. Its stimulation extends to the brain, spinal 
cord and sympathetic system. To all it extends its tonic 
influence, which is quite permanent. 

With lobelia and. capsicum, cypripedium and capsicum, 
or with caulophyllum alone it is an excellent antispas- 
modic, which may be used in such conditions as chorea, 
epilepsy, hysteria, puerperal convulsions and other spas- 
modic conditions of infant or adult. I think such combi- 
nations would give favorable results in hydrophobia, and I 
know that such will with delirium tremens and morphia 
mania. It may not cure bad cases of epilepsy but it will 
help such conditions, especially with alkaline and hepatir, 
preparations. Have such patients abstain from sweets, 
fats and starches to a great extent. 

In the delirium of typhoid and in nervous dyspepsia it is 
an excellent agent. 

In cases of insanity, after getting your patient well 
under the influence of lobelia and cypridedium put them 
on scutelaria. 

It is also useful in hysteria, hj-pochondria, general ner- 
vousness, insomnia, convalescence from fevers, cranial 
neuralgia, uterine neuralgia, general female weakness. 

A hot infusion renders it more diffusive than is the fluid 
extract, except it be used in hot water. 

Scutelarin is a moderate representative. 

SEMPERV1VUM TECTORUM. 
House Leek- 
The leaves by pressure yield a juice that makes a good 



dr. iv 


F. I 


G. Senecio 


dr. ii 


" 


Caulophyllum aa dr. iv 




Syr. 


Zingiber. q. s. <>z. iv 



SIERRA. 453 

application in acute ophthalmia and for all raw open sores 
of recent production, and surface swellings. 
Internally it is a moderate diuretic. 

SENECIO AUREUS. 
Life- Root. 

This herb is a slow, stimulating and relaxing agent, in- 
fluencing the nervous system and the generative organs. 

It gently promotes menstruation, relieves some forms of 
clysmenorrhcea, the aching back and some forms of hys- 
teria, and tones the generative organs of both sexes. 

With sanguinaria it is a positive emmenagogue. 
Senecio 
Viburnum Op. 
Caulophyllum 
Euonymous a a. dr. i 

Syr. Zingiberis q. s. oz. iv 
These are good compounds for dysmenorrhoea. 
With aralia and prunus it influences the bronchi and 
may be added to the cough syrups of the chlorotic. It is 
soothing, cleansing and strengthening to the lungs. 

McCoy, Howe Co. prepare Caulo-Senecio, a fine antispas- 
modic and nervine. Each fluid ounce represents: 
Black Haw 

Cramp Bark aa. grs. xlv 

Wild Yam grs. xxx 

Blue Cohosh 

Life-Root aa. grs. xv 

It is very effective in amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea, 
cramps, colics, cholera morbus, convulsions, hysteria, etc. 

SENECIO OBOVATUS. 

Squaw Weed. 

This is a mild, stimulating alterative. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener uses this agent in the treatment of 
tetter, eczema and chronic skin diseases generally. 

SIERRA SALVIA. 

Mountain Sage, Sage-Brush, . (Artemisia Frigida. ) 

Western U. S, 
This herb is a bitter aromatic, diffusive, stimulating 
diaphoretic, and is also anti periodic, alterant and ner- 
vine. Large doses nauseate and may produce vomiting. 
In hot infusion it influences the circulation, inducing a 



454 SIM ABA. 

good outward flow of blood and free diaphoresis. It stim- 
ulates the entire peripheral circulation and sustains the 
heart and arteries. It quite thoroughly influences all the 
secernents and the mucous membrane, the liver, the gall 
ducts, the kidneys and the bowels. It gives excellent 
results in mountain fever, spinal irritation, meningitis: 
intermittent, remittent, congestive and rheumatic fevers: 
pleuritis, pneumonitis, sciatica, la grippe, scarlatina and 
the other exanthemata. Also in muco-purulent leucor- 
rhoea, in phthisis, and in amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhea 
when the results of congestion. 

SILPHIUM LACINIATUM. 
Rosin Weed. 

The leaves contain a resinous material, a rather bitter 
stimulant to the mucous membrane. It lessens expecto- 
ration, and lessens the alvine discharges in dysentery and 
diarrhoea. 

SILPHIUM PERFOLIATUM. 
Cup Plant. 

The root and leaves are a diffusive stimulant, influenc- 
ing the liver, gall ducts and spleen, and is laxative to the 
bowels. 

In hot infusion it is a gentle diaphoretic and useful in 
cases of biliousness, colds, remittent and catarrhal fevers. 
It is said also to be an antiperiodic. 

SIM ABA CEDRON. 

Cedron Seed. New Grenada. 

This tree grows to the height of about 15 feet. The 
stem when about twelve feet ends in a terminal panicle of 
flowers covered externally with brownish hairs. It then 
sends forth side branches which do the same. The fruit 
is about the size of a large peach and covered with short 
hairs. Each fruit contains one seed having two halves. 

The seed is a stimulating and relaxing antispasmodic 
nervine. By those among whom the tree grows, it is suc- 
cessfully u&ed in the cure of rattlesnake bite and that of 
other poisonous reptiles and insects, also in the cure of 
hydrophobia. It is used internally and applied to the 
surface of the wound, and in hydrophobia it is also used 
hypodermically. 



SMILAX. 455 

Internally from 5 to 30 grains may be used every 3 to 6 
hours. Large closes produce in some persons some griping 
sensations in the bowels. 

This agent is also used in spasms, for toothache and as 
an antiperiodic in agues. As an antiperiodic give two to 
four grains three to six times during the cold stage. 

SINAPIS ALBA AND NIGRA. 
Mustard. 

The seed is quite pungent to the taste and smell, stimu- 
lating and acrid. It is preparer 1 lor table use and in Spring 
the young leaves are eaten as greens. 

The powdered seed will blister the surface if left on long 
enough, and if used persistently with food it will irritate 
the stomach. 

It is doubtful whether we can advise the use of an agent 
that will so quickly destroy a healthy surface. If used to 
destroy some portion of skin necessary to be destroyed its 
blistering use would be legitimate. This agent should be 
used only to stimulate the surface, never allowing it to 
blister except as above stated. 

It is sometimes used internally as a quick emetic in cases 
of poisoning, but I prefer capsicum, lobelia and bicarbon- 
ate of soda for this purpose, but I would give the mustard 
if nothing better was at hand, a teaspoonful or less in four 
ounces of water. 

It may be used to stimulate over the surface of a con- 
gested organ, or over the seat of acute pain, but remove 
before blistering even if it is reapplied. If some flour and 
the white of an egg be added it will usually not blister. 

Sinapis is sometimes added to a foot bath to stimulate 
the extremities. 

SMILAX CANELL.E FOLIA. 
Bamboo-Brier Boot. (S. Pseudo-China). 

S. E. United States. 
The root is a stimulating tonic alterative of consider- 
able value in primary and secondary syphilis, rheumatism, 
scrofula and eczema. An infusion may be used freely. 

SMILAX OFFICINALIS. 
Sarsaparilla. Honduras, Jamaica. 

The root is a mild, pleasant, relaxing and stimulating 
alterative- In hot infusion it gives an outward oircula- 



456 SODIUM 

tion of the blood. It is a very mild agent and deserving 
praise chiefly when combined with other alterants. In 
this way it is of service in scrofula, syphilis and skin 
diseases. 

F. E. Smilax Off. 
" Articum Lap. 

14 Phytolacca Had. aa dr. iii 

" Xanthoxylum gtta. xv 

Iodi. Potas. dr. i 

This is valuable for syphilis especially if gummata be 
present. 

Sarsaparilla 320 Sarsaparilla 800 

Rumex 160 Guaiacum 

Menispermum 80 Iris aa 80 

Oil Sassafras 1 Stillingia 240 

Oil Anise 1 

These are good alteratives. 

SODIUM. 

This is the base for a number of alkaline preparations. 
It is a soft silvery white metal. The hydrate of soda 
(caustic soda) and quicklime in equal parts form a powder 
to apply to chancres and warts. 

Sodii Chloridum (salt) is a stimulating antiseptic use- 
ful in gastric and pulmonary hemorrhages, as a saturated 
solution inject to relieve pin worms; as a stimulating in* 
jection to relieve the bowels; as an application to sprains, 
bruises, and (envelop the joint in a hot compress of salt 
water every 3 or 4 hours), in rheumatism and neuralgia; as 
a wash for weak sore eyes; for cleansing the mucous mem- 
brane in nasal catarrh; and for making a salt water bath. 

Sodce Carbonas, (Carbonate of Soda) is as strong alkali 
used for cleansing and disinfecting. A solution forms a 
good wash for scaly skin. 

Sodae Bicarbonas, (Bicarbonate of Soda.) Baking Soda 
is a valuable act-acid, and may be used in cases of poison- 
ing by mineral acids. It is also valuable as a vaginal in- 
jection in cases of sterility where such arises from an acid 
leucorrhoea. This agent is an abortive in tonsilitis if giv- 
en in the early stage. Give 30 or 40 grains internally and 
frequently apply to the tonsil by means of a blow-pipe. 
Listerine oz. i 

Bicarb. Soda 
Biborate Soda aa grs. xxx 



SODIUM. 457 

Aqua q. s. oz. iv 

Atomize this in case of catarrh to cleanse the nostrils. 
Sodce SalpfUs (Sulphite of Soda) is a good wash for 
aphthous sore mouth, one dram to an ounce of water. It 
clears up the trouble in a hurry. In typhoid and other 
fevers and torpid conditions of the alvine mucous mem- 
brane, small doses in solution may be given 3 or 4 times in 
24 hours it will readily cleanse the tongue and alvine mu- 
cous membrane throughout. 

Sulphite Soda 1 

Salicylate Lithia 20 

Cimicifuga Rac. 30 

Cascara Sagrada 30 

This combination is suitable for rheumatism. 
Sodce Hi/pts ul phis (Hyposulphite of Soda) is very use- 
ful in arresting gastric fermentions, 2 or 3 grains to the 
ounce of water may be used. A stronger solution is a good 
wash for sore mouth, and a saturated solution is a good 
application for ringworm, pruritus and tetter. 

Sodae Bi boras (Borax) has two equivalents of boracic 
acid and one of soda and is soluble in ten or twelve parts 
of water. It is a good alkaline wash for the babe's sore 
mouth. Salvia, prunus, myrica. kino, rhus glabra or hy- 
drastis may be added. Borax is also a good wash for oph- 
thalmia, granular lids, for cleaning the scalp, tender sur- 
faces and in scaly eruptions. 



Borax 


dr. i 


Glycerin 


dr. iv 


Phos. Hyd. 


grs. iv 


Rose Water 


oz. iii ss 


Use for mouth ulcers. 




Borax 


dr. iv 


Carbolic Acid 


dr. i 


Tannin 


dr. ii 


Glycerin 


oz. ii 


Alcohol 


oz. iii 


Rose Water 


oz, V 



Apply for the removal of pimples and blackheads. 

Boracic Acid consists of one equivalent of boron and 
three of oxygen. A solution of 4 to 10 grains to the ounce 
of water relieves the burning sensation of gonorrhoea. In 
resilient stricture and painful cystitis an injection to the 
bladder of a solution of 8 grains to the ounce of water gives 
almost instant relief and abates micturition. Wherever 



458 SOLIDAGO. 

used it diminishes muco purulent discharges, whether it 
be to the vagina for leucorrhoea, to the ear for otorrhoea, 
or to the eye in conjunctivitis, gonorrhceal ophthalmia, 
granulated eyelids, catarrhal ophthalmia, corneal conges- 
tions, or ulcerated tarsi. 

Boracic acid two drams to one pint of water makes a 
good eye wash. Boracic acid ten grains to simple cerate 
one dram forms a useful ointment. 
Boracic Acid 

Tannin aa. grs. x 

Glycerin , dr. ii 

Aqua Hosae dr. vi 

Use a few drops in the eyes every three hours for con- 
junctivitis. 

Boracic acid and acetanilid form a wash for cleansing 
sores and wounds. 

Boracic acid and the aqueous extract of hamamelis in 
water form a good wash for ophthalmia. 

SOLANUM CAROLINEJSTSE. 

Horse Nettle, Bull Nettle. (Succus Solanii.) 

S. E. United States. 
This is the fresh juice of the fruit concentrated by 
exposure to currents of air at a low temperature and pre- 
served by the addition of sotne alcohol This is the process 
adopted by McCoy, Howe Co., of Indianapolis. They pre- 
pare it double strength. It is recommended largely in the 
treatment of epilepsy. If we shall rely upon reports it is 
very successful. Begin with small doses; increase their 
size and continue long enough to perfect a cure. 

SOLIDAGO CANADENSIS. 
Golden-rod. 

There are several varieties of this plant, but that bear- 
ing a plume- like flower is preferred. 

The leaves and flowers are a stimulating and slightly 
astringent tonic antiseptic to the mucous membrane. It 
is a sanative germicide, and is valuable in the presence of 
putrescence, as in diphtheria, scarlatina, tonsilitis, phar- 
yngitis or laryngitis. It maybe boiled down and made 
iuto a confection or troche with sugar, suitable for sore 
throat of almost any kind, for children or for adults. 



SOLIDAGO. 459 

Sol id ago Can. 4 

Hydrastis Can. 

Myrrha aa. 2 

Chloride of Sodium 
Capsicum aa. I 

This may be made into an acetous infusion for gargling, 
or for atomizing the throat; or the vinegar may be omitted 
and the infusion swallowed. In diphtheria and scarlatina 
there is nothing better. In scarlatina arctium seed should 
be added. In tonsilitis solidago may be used alone. 
Sol id ago 20 

Lobelia " 

Xanthoxylum aa. 1 

This also may be used for diphtheria and scarlatina, in 
light form. 

The Fid. Ext. of Solidago Comp. according to the formula 
of Prof. G-. N. Davidson, made by C. T. Bedford is a very 
excellent combination of agents in the treatment of diph- 
theria and all forms of ulceration of the throat and mucous 
surfaces 

Here you have the tonic and antiperiodic action of the 
eucalyptus, the fine stimulation of the xanthoxylum, the 
relaxation of the lobelia with the slight escharotic action 
of the solidago made from the green herb. 

This comp. proved very effective in the hands of the late 
Prof. Davidson. 

In catarrh and especially in la grippe, solidago is very 
valuable. It cures quick and completely. I have had 
more complete eradication of la grippe from the use of sol- 
idago, either alone in hot infusion, or in combination with 
other suitable agents, than with anything else. 

In typhoid fever it stimulates and cleanses the alvine 
mucous membrane very successfully. 

In phthisis pulmonalis and bronchial catarrh it is of 
much value, especially when added to other agents influ- 
encing the respiratory organs. 

Boiled down to a thin paste and added to vaseline, an 
excellent salve is formed. 

SOLIDAGO VIECtAUREA. 

(Virga Latifolia. | 
The lefives are a stimulating astringent and diuretic. 
It is valuable in dropsy. When given in hot infusion, very 
freely, it increases freely the flow of urine. 



460 STATICE. 

SPIGELIA MARILANDICA. 

Pink Hoot. 

The root is a domestic anthelmintic. It is usually com- 
bined with senna. Large doses produce dizziness, but no 
such symptoms attend the ordinary dose. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends the following as an anthel- 
mintic: 

Syr. Spigelia Mar. 
" Chenopodium Antu. aa. oz. ii 
" Cassia Acut. oz. i 

M. S. A teaspoonful or more four times a day for a few 
days. 

SPIR.EA OPULIFOLIA. 
Mine Barks- 
The leaves are a mild, stimulating, astringent tonic. 

SPIRAEA TOMENTOSA. 
Hardhack. 

The roots and leaves are a mild, stimulating astringent, 
useful in diarrhoea. 

STAPHYLEA TRI FOLIA. 
Bladder JV'ut. 

The bark is a mild, soothing, stimulant and relaxant to 
the mucous membrane. In hot infusion it influences the 
circulation and soothes the nervous system. In case of 
gastric, alvine, urinary and generative irritation it soothes 
and gently stimulates. 

STATICE BRAZILIENSIS. 
Baycvru. Brazil, Paraguay. 

The f oot internally is of a reddish brown color, having 
a thick bark and its pith fully one-fourth of its diameter. 
The natives use this for all kinds of scrofulous enlarge- 
ments and glandular swellings. It is a stimulating, as- 
tringent alterant. It is used locally as a wash, inhaled 
and given by way of the stomach. It is used as a gargle 
in some forms of sore throat. 

STATICE CAROLINIANA. 
Marsh- Rosemary : 
The root is a positive astringent, useful in acute and 



STILLINGIA. 461 

chronic diarrhoea and that resulting in typhoid fever. It 
is also valuable in hemorrhages from whatever locality, 
and whether internal or superficial. It is useful as a wash 
for sore mouth and spongy-gums. 

STIGMATA MAYDIS. 

Com Silk. 

This should be gathered immediately after its pollen has 
been shed. It is a demulcent, tonic diuretic. It increases 
the flow of urine, soothes the kidneys and bladder, and 
relieves the urine of that strong odor of ammonia which is 
sometimes present. It cleanses the cystic membrane in 
the relief of cystic catarrh, and of other morbid deposits 
showing its influence as an antiseptic. It assists in free- 
ing the circulation of urea and is valuable in the treat- 
ment of renal and cystic inflammation. 

Dr. C. B. Riggs recommends the following for cystitis: 
F. E. Stigmata Mayd. oz. iss 

" Uva Ursi oz. ss 

Sodium Salicylate (Wintergreen) grs. lx 

M. S. Teaspoonful every one, two or three hours. This 
gives relief within a few hours and will give any physician 
a reputation in this class of cases. The Doctor says this 
has never failed him. 

STILLINGIA SYLVATICA. 
StilliTbgia. 

The root is a positive stimulating alterative. Large 
closes are cathartic and emetic and subsequently leave in 
the stomach and bowels a burning sensation. 

It stimulates the alvine mucous membrane and the 
glandular system, and is valuable in the treatment of sec- 
ondary syphilis, eczemas, ulcers and scrofula. It is best 
adapted to chronic cases and in combination with other 
agents less stimulating. 

F. E. Stillingia Syl. F. E. Stillingia Syl. 

" Dicentra Ex. •' Sarsaparilla Off. 

" Iris Ver. " Arctium Sem. 

" Chimaphilla U. aa. dr. ii " Chimaphilla 
i; Xanthoxylum C. gtta. xv " Rumex Cr. aa dr. ii 
Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv " • Xanthox. Car. gtta. x 

Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. iv 



462 SULPHUR. 

Stillingia Syl. 5 F. E. Stillingia oz. iii 

Dicentra Ex. 3 " Sanguinaria dr. iv 

Chimaphilla U. 2 " Iris Versicolor dr. iss 

Xanthoxylum Bac. 1| Iodide Potas. dr. iii 

Coriander Sem. H Syr. Simplex q. s. oz. xvi 

Iris Yers. 
Sambucus Flowers aa. 1 

These are all good alterative preparations more or less 
stimulating. 

Oil Stillingia 
" Lobelia aa. dr. ii 

" Cajaput 

il Euc*alyptol aa. dr. iii 

Alcohol oz. iii 

This is a good liniment for sore throat and wherever 
needed. 

STYLOSANTHES ELATIOR, 
Afterbirth Weed. 

This herb is a soothing, stimulating, tonic nervine espe- 
cially influencing the pelvic orgauism. It relieves the 
irritation and pains frequently present during the preg- 
nant period, prevents miscarriage and quiets the false 
pains so frequently perplexing just prior to parturition. 
It i3 a splendid preparatory to the parturient act, and 
nicely anticipates a long and tedious labor. 

Of the fluid extract 10 or more drops may be given three 
times a day for a month prior to confinement. 

STYRAX BENZOIN. 
Benzoin. East Indies. 

This fragrant balsam exudes through incisions made in 
the bark. This dries to a state of brittleness. An alco- 
holic tincture is made which may be combined with cough 
syrups in the treatment of old coughs. In hot water it is 
quite fragrant and being inhaled will add to its power as a 
tonic expectorant. 

Benzoic acid is quite irritating. 

STYRAX OFFICINALE. 
Storax. Southern Europe. 

This balsam is a stimulating expectorant. 

SULPHUR. 
Sulphur Sublimat tint is very valuable in the treatment 



SUKGICAL ANESTHETICS. 463 

of diph'heria. After cleansing the throat by the process 
of gargling or atomizing then use a blowpipe and leave 
the throat well covered with sulphur. It gives excellent 
results. 

Sulphur burnt in a sick room or through a house is one 
of the best of disinfectants. 

Sulphur may be taken internally but it should be re- 
membered by those who wear jewelry next to the flesh 
that after taking sulphur a few days the skin will tarnish 
jewelry. Its chief action is on the circulation and the 
skin. 

Externally and internally it is used as a cure for itch. 
Triturate sulphur 1, with lard 2 and apply, but sulphuret 
of potassium is better for this purpose. 
Sulphur dr. vi 

Unslacked Lime dr. iii 

Aqua oz. xvi 

Boil the compound till almost a red color. This is the 
bisulphuret of calcium. A few applications of this will 
usually cure itch. 

SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

BY E. ANTHONY, M. D. 

Professor ofa Surgical Pathology applied, in the Physio-Medical College of 
Indiana, Indianapolis. 

Relative Value of Each —Immediately upon the dis- 
covery of ether by Dr. Morton of Boston its use became 
general throughout the civilized world. Dr. Simpson's 
discovery of chloroform during the following year robbed 
Morton, at least for a time, of a portion of his laurels. 
The influence wielded by Simpson and his friends on the 
coniinent, gave chloroform a much greater impetus than 
ether; but it was soon found that more patients died from 
the use of the former that from the latter; and this fact 
caused a reaction, which turned the tide of sentiment in 
favor of ether. Notwithstanding this chloroform is ex- 
tensively used by some European nations, especially the 
Germans. The general effect of these two agents is much 
the same; but each finds its applicability in the peculiar 
conditions found in individual cases. Ether is a cardiac 
stimulant, increasing the force and frequency of the heart, 
filling up the capillaries and distending the vessels 
of the brain. This property of ether renders it in- 
applicable in persons of a plethoric habit Also in hy- 



164 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

pertrophy with irritability of the heart, caused by aoritic 
stenosis. Its stimulating properties render its use in irri- 
table states of the nasal passages and bronchial tubes very 
unpleasant, and contra-indicates its use in all well devel- 
oped cases of bronchitis and organic disease of the lungs. 
Epileptics are not good subjects for taking ether by inha- 
lation, the increase in the cerebral circulation is liable to 
bring on the convulsions and such patients sometimes die 
from this cause. Owing to its liability to cause vomiting 
it is not highly esteemed in abdominal surgery. Its stimu- 
lating effect on the capillaries also favors hemorrhage, the 
same objection applies to its use in operations about the 
nose and mouth and in cataract. Its inflammability ren- 
ders it very dangerous where artificial light has to be em - 
ployed. Its volatility and bulk contra-indicates its use in 
armies that are changing places, owing to its inconvenience 
of transportation. Its odor is very objectionable to many 
patients, the impression it makes on the nervous system 
lasts sometimes for several months. 

The one redeeming feature is its safety as claimed by its 
friends, the number of deaths from its use in surgery being 
less than from the use of chloroform, which, according to 
statistics, causes one death in ten thousand, while that of 
ether one in twenty-six thousand. However the mortality 
from either may not be correct, because the number of 
these is not known, that may have died from the careless- 
ness or ignorance of the administrators. Even in many 
well regulated hospitals the administration of the anaes- 
thetic is trusted to inexperienced and careless internes. 
It is also a part of human nature, from which none of us is 
exempt, to allow ourselves to become careless. After hav- 
ing administered the agents, perhaps one thousand times 
without a fatal result, but owing to some little omission a 
patient may suddenly and unexpectedly die. The life is 
gone and cannot be recalled. In this, more than in other 
cases, "vigilance is the price of safety." This applies 
more directly to chloroform than ether, as the former is 
more certain and potent in action. This may in part ex- 
plain its greater fatality. The same may be said of its 
almost universal use by country practitioners, who use it 
indiscriminately and who are many times compelled to 
trust its use in the hands of inexperienced men. It is a 
fact peculiar but nevertheless true that the larger number 
of patients die when the anaesthetic is given when trivial 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 4f)S 

operations are to be made, such as amputation of a toe or 
finger, the removal of small tumors and other like trivial 
proceedures. 

The explanation of this is, first; experienced men, only, 
make severe operations; they are aware of the danger, not 
only of the operation, but of the anaesthetic, and take 
every precaution to guard the patient against all danger; 
and when the time comes to make the operation there are 
no mistakes made. On the other side the operation is triv- 
ial, seemingly free from danger, and the operator takes 
the same view of the anaesthetic; therefore little or no 
precaution is taken. He seems to forget that the anaes- 
thetic is just as dangerous when administered for trivial 
operations as for severe ones. 

The following is an analysis of 21 and 2/6 cases of chloro- 
form and ether respectively, as taken from the reports at 
Xetley Hospital for the year 1875, and shows the relative 
time required to bring the patients under the influence. 
The shortest time for chloroform, two minutes and thirty 
seconds; ether, three minutes and thirty seconds. Long- 
est time for chloroform, fourteen minutes and thirty sec- 
onds; ether, twenty-four minutes. Average time for chlo- 
roform, six minutes and twenty-four seconds: ether, eight 
minutes and ten seconds. Average time under its influ- 
ence—chloroform, twelve minutes and forty-eight seconds; 
ether, nineteen minutes and six seconds. Smallest quan- 
tity used in any one case-chloroform, one dram; ether, 
two ounces and four drams. Largest quantity used— chlo- 
roform, eight drams; ether, nine ounces. Average quan- 
tity used in any case— chloroform, three drams and nine 
minims; ether, five ounces and one dram. From chloro- 
form vomiting occurred in two cases during or after the 
use of the drug. From ether vomiting occurred in eleven 
cases after the use of the drug. Excitement occurred in 
ten cases during or after the administration of chloroform. 
During or after the administration of ether there was 
marked excitement in seven cases. 

It will be seen from the above analysis that chloroform 
brings about anaesthesia quicker than ether; that ether 
holds its influence longer than chloroform; that vomiting- 
is more frequent from ether than chloroform: that it takes 
four to eight times more ether than chloroform to produce 
the specific effect. 

The temperature of the room has much to do with the 



466 SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

administration of either, as the following table compiled 
by Mr. Snow will show. One hundred cubic inches of air 
was saturated with ether and chloroform in the following 
quantities: 

One hundred cubic inches of air at 
44 degrees would contain 27 cubic inches of ether vapor 
54 " " " 24.3 tl " " 

64 " '■' " 43 3 " 

74 '« " " 53.6 " 

84 " " " 66.6 •' " 

One hundred cubic inches of air at 
50 degrees would contain 9 cubic inches chloroform vapor 
CO " " " 14 

70 - ; " i4 24 

SU " " " 36 

DO '" " " 55 " 

The object of exhibiting the above table is to show that 
the temperature of the atmosphere in the operating room 
lias much to do with the time required to bring the pa- 
tient under its influence, as the atmosphere will absorb 
only a given amount at a certain temperature. A knowl- 
edge of this is necessary, because if the temperature is low 
it will take too long to get the patient ready for the ope- 
ration; on the contrary if the temperature is high the 
patient may get a fatal quantity. The above is a fair 
representation of the opinions of those who prefer ether 
in surgery. A brief statement of the representative men 
who are not sanguine of the safety of ether, might serve 
to put the young practitioner on bis guard, as some writers 
leave the impression that ether is almost absolutely safe. 
The fohowing is extracted from the pen of Joseph Lister. 
Esq.: At the International Congress at Brussels M. Per- 
riu said: "The fact of death resulting from ether cannot 
be contested, and accidents, whatever may be said, resem- 
ble those from chloroform. Like chloroform, ether exposes 
to sudden accidents, impossible to foresee, dependent on 
accidental syncope." M. Forget said that "to deny that 
every anaesthetic causes sudden death is to refuse to receive 
evidence.' Kappeler, in summing up the evidence fur- 
nished by his table of ether-deaths, says: "From the 
foregoing facts, however, it by no means appears that 
ether-death in man t* essentially different from chloroform- 
death, nor that death under the inhalation of ether iu 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 467 

man always commences by disturbance of respiration, and 
in every case proceeds from the respiratory organs, as 
experimental physiologists maintain to be the case with 
animals." 

We are forced, then, by clinical evidence, to reject the 
statement of text-books that ether "never suddenly para- 
lyzes the heart,'' as well as the latest doctrine that ether 
always gives warning by the pulse, it becoming "weak and 
slow, not suddenly but gradually.'' Nor will the doctrine 
of Schiff, based wholly upon experiments with animals, 
that death under ether always begins with the respiratory 
function, bear examination by the light of clinical experi- 
ence: while his corollary that the surgeon is always respon- 
sible for the death of a patient under ether, is unsound, as 
it is sure to work, if adopted, most serious injury and great 
injustice to whoever may be so unfortunate as to have an 
accident with this anaesthetic. The second important 
fact in regard to ether, is that the dangerous symptoms or 
death may supervene at some considerable time after the 
administration has terminated, just as they do after chlo- 
roform. Whether the fatal event can justly be attributed 
to ether in such cases as those reported by M. Richet, 
where a suffocative catarrh began soon after the inhala- 
tion, and caused death some days afterwards, remains yet to 
be determined. There are cases fully detailed, however, 
exactly resembling those occurring after chloroform, and in 
regard to which there can be no question. The writer is 
cognizant of a number of such cases, in which the patient 
was rescued by vigorous measures, and which have never 
been published. It is probable that these late appearing 
accidents are more frequent with ether than with chloro- 
form, from the larger quantity required, its greater solu- 
bility in the blood serum, and the slower rate cf its excre- 
tion. With present knowledge they are the most inexplic- 
able facts connected with anaesthesia. 

The physiological action of ether, although in general 
resembling that of chloroform, differs in some points so 
much as to demand consideration, as in its mode of caus- 
ing death the effect of ether upon the blood-pressure is far 
from showing in man that entire want of influence which it 
exhibits in animals, neither does it in man show that in- 
variable and unexceptionable depression of pressure which 
is characteristic of chloroform. With chloroform, marked 
depression of the sphygmographic curve is always pro- 



468 SURGICAL, ANAESTHETICS. 

duced in man while with ether a considerable proportion 
of cases show no change. Thus, Kappeler gives ten trac- 
ings, in three of which there was but slight, if any, change 
from the normal — an occurrence not presented once in 
twenty-five observations- with chloroform; but in seven of 
the ten cases ''the curve of deep ether-narcosis differed 
not at all from that of chloroform-narcosis." Deep flush- 
ing of the face occurs under the administation of ether. 
A profuse salivation is a very unpleasant feature, causing 
cough, efforts at swallowing, and choking sensations. 
The pupils are not generally so closely contracted as under 
chloroform, and may remain unchanged. The respiratory 
action very rarely goes on undisturbed with ether as it 
often does with chloroform; cough, hawking, catching of 
the breath are almost always present, and marked irregu- 
larity is the general rule. In the length and severity of 
the stage of excitement there is the greatest contrast be- 
tween the two agents. With ether irregular muscular 
action is extreme, and marked rigidity of the extremities, 
which may extend to the whole body; there are violent ef- 
forts to escape from the inhalation, prompted by the dis- 
tressing sense of suffocation; and, more generally than 
with chloroform, there are struggles with the arms and 
legs, attempts to rise from the table, and even get out of 
the room. The stage of relaxation and complete anaes- 
thesia having been attained, it is maintained with diffi- 
culty; the patient readily relapses into a condition of excited 
intoxication, in which it is impossible for the operator to 
proceed. Finally, the return to conciousness is marked 
with more unpleasant symptoms than that from chloro- 
form. A state of excitement like partial intoxication, 
and various hysterical symptoms are apt to make their ap- 
pearance, while the smell and taste of the ether may dis- 
gust the patient for hours if not days. 

The question as to which anaesthetic causes vomiting 
most frequently afterwards, long undecided, may be said 
to be settled in favor of the ether by the experience of 
O'Keith of Edinburgh, whose brilliant success with an 
operation alter which vomiting is especially deleterous is 
well, known. There is no question, however, that this 
unpleasant effect of .ether, as well as the stage of excite- 
ment, may be very much and very favorably modified by 
circumstances fully under control. The quality of the 
ether should be assured. The mode of administration is 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 469 

very important. When the patient is brought promptly 
under the influence without saturating the tissues 
throughout the body, the stage of excitement is less 
marked, the subsequent vomiting more frequently absent 
or milder, and recovery from the anaesthetic state is more 
rapid and less unpleasant. 

The relaxation of the vaso-constrictors and consequent 
accumulation of blood in the arterioles and capillaries of 
the system generally, renders the use of ether inadmissible 
in all cases of disease in any of the vital organs where 
there is dilatation of the blood-vessels and consequent con- 
gestion; but especially it is said to be fatal when albumen 
is present in the urine. 

The kidneys therefore should be carefully examined lor 
all organic diseases, and the urine should be tested, not 
only for albumen, but for all abnormal conditions; and if 
even slightly diseased, chloroform should be given instead 
of ether. An impartial study of the above facts will show- 
that there has been but one allegation against chloroform: 
viz.. that it su Idenly and without warning causes death, 
and that in consequence of this disability the rate of mor- 
tality is much larger than that of ether: that it does its 
work so insidiously that the patient is dead before it is 
known that there is danger. The same may be said of 
ether, although not to the same extent. By reference to 
the preceding pages the reader will doubtless see that 
there is danger to life from the use of any anaesthetic, 
however carefully administered by even the most skillful 
hands. 

To the writer this subject has been one of deepest inter- 
est. The works of all the best writers and thinkers and 
most practical surgeons of the present and past, as well as 
the faculty of the Physio-Medical College of Indiana, have 
been consulted and valuable suggestions received from all. 
The writer has added to this twenty-five years of close 
personal observation of the use of anaesthetics, by the 
most skillful experts in this line, when given by them in 
the cases upon whom operations were to be made. These 
cases furnish most convincing proof that although there 
was not one death in them all, yet in several instances a 
fatal termination was only averted by the most timely and 
skillful treatment. The same experience also furnishes 
proofs that ether and chloroform are both effective anaes- 
thetics; that they both produce death in a greater or less 



470 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

number of cases; that the cause of death may be the same, 
but that their mode of action may be entirely different. 
Ether relaxes the vaso-constrictors and allows the blood to 
accumulate in the arterioles and capillaries, thus causing 
the blood to be retained in the body longer than natural. 
This sluggish state of the circulation hinders the normal 
interchange, in the lungs, of morbific material for oxygen, 
and the blood assumes a venous appearance. 

Death may now occur in either of two ways: first, by 
this dark and impure blood, which is loaded with material 
which has been rendered useless in the tissues, and which 
becomes injurious when retained too long in the system, 
also absence of oxygen and nutritive material in the blood 
that circulates in the nerve centres which control the 
action of the heart. Deprive these centres of their proper 
stimulus and they cease to influence the heart action, and 
the organ ceases to move. A second mode of death may 
be caused by this same kind of impure blood passing 
through the heart. The proper stimulus to heart action 
when applied di ect to the heart is a proper quantity and 
quality of blood; without this the heart action becomes 
feeble and may cease eniirely. Plethoric people have 
dilated vessels, most frequently in the brain and its mem- 
branes. To administer an agent that has the property to 
dilate these vessels still farther is bad practice, and may 
result in death by one or the other mode as above de- 
scribed. The same may prove true if the lungs or kidneys 
are already in a state of engorgement. Chloroform con- 
tracts the vaso-dilators, narrows the calibre of the arteri- 
oles and capillaries and force-: the blood internally upon 
the large arteries and heart. This contractile power may 
be sufficient to bring on a tonic spasm, which forces so 
much blood into the heart that it \< unable to keep up its 
movements. It cea-es to act suddenly and death is the 
result. 

Thi^ philosophy, if correct furnishes a separate field for 
each remedy Should this be true, and the proper anaes- 
thetic employed, the death rate from anaesthetics might be 
reduced to a very meagre per cent.; then if the other 
avoidable accidental causes be prevented, d.eath would be 
the exception and success the rule. This style of argu. 
ment wouid seem to make the ana^stheric responsible for 
every death: and so it would be if the judgment was infal- 
lible and the accidents all avoidable. Such is not the case, 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 471 

however. It is not possible for the surgeon or the anaes- 
thetist to judge correctly as to the kind of anaesthetic 
suitable to each case, neither are the accidents entirely 
unavoidable. A proper knowledge of the properties of the 
agent used, a prevention of all the preventable causes, a 
judicial regulation of the quantity, and a proper attention 
to all other circumstances is all that can be expected. If 
the surgeon and anaesthetist realize the great responsibil- 
ity of their position when they are trusted with a human 
life, they will be inexcusable if they neglect to prepare 
themselves, and fail to take advantage of every measure to 
prevent any accident. 

It has been a question raised by able men on both sides, 
whether the use of chloroform has increased or diminished 
the mortality. It was found that the mortality in some 
hospitals was greater after the introduction of anaesthet- 
ics than before. A solution was found in the history of 
the cases. When the properties of ether and chloroform 
were published, they became the object of great abuse. 
The fear of suffering pain being removed, encouraged pa- 
tients to desire operations that were entirely improper at 
that time. Surgeons also became bold in their conception 
of what might be done, and undertook operations for 
which they were not well qualified. This tilled the hospi- 
tals to overflowing. More patients were crowded into the 
wards than they were adequate to contain. Aseptic sur- 
gery was then only a dream; antiseptsis was thought little 
of. Sanitary science was not born. It was not a wonder 
that patients died— not because of the anaesthetic, but 
because of the inexperience of the surgeons in making 
operations of so severe a character, and with such bad san- 
itary surroundings. Then too the use of the agents was 
not so well understood; surgeons had to learn much of 
their potency, and the accidents bo which patients were 
liable. Mark the wonderful success in brain surgery, in 
abdominal and pelvic operations, and then ask where is 
the surgeon that would have the temerity to undertake 
these operations without an anaesthetic; and where is the 
patient that would brave the knife and submit to any such 
operations? And even in general surgery, the writhings 
and cries of the patients were more than humanity could 
withstand, and few men were willing to undertake to ope- 
rate under such circumstances. Then for a patient to be 
conscious and witness the keen, scathing, lancinating pain 



472 SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

of the glittering knife and endure the terrible grating of 
the saw, or the seething, crisping and scorching effect of 
the cautery, would be more than ordinary human minds 
can endure. It is doubtless true that a few patients have 
succumbed to the influence of the anaesthetic and the ope- 
ration, but they were patients that could have survived 
but a short time at the longest. Contrast these with those 
cases where patients have remained for hours under the 
influence of an anaesthetic to enable the surgeon to maktt 
long and tedious dissections; which once accomplished, a 
human being was saved from impending death. 

Much of success depends on care in the administration 
of the agent. 

In the hands of skillful men the death rate has fallen 
very low. Prof. Samuel D. Gross gave chloroform in four 
thousand cases without a single death. Of five thousand 
cases anaesthetized by Prof. Syme there was not even a 
serious occurrence. Prof. Nussbaum never lost a patient 
in ten thousand cases. Here are eighteen thousand cases 
anaesthetized without one death. It has been said that 
Simpson lost only one case in all his large experience. It 
is but due to those illustrious men to say that this success 
was the result of their skill and <-are. They took every 
precaution, and saw that nothing was left undone that 
might add to the safety of their patients. In view of the 
fact that anaesthetics were suddenly and universally 
adopted by ail practitioners, who. especially outside the 
hospitals and large cities, were without experience in their 
use, and with limited means for meeting accidents, the 
death rate is exceedingly low. I)r Gross says: 'I ascribe 
my own good luck in the use of chloroform to the extraor- 
dinary care with which it has been administered in my 
practice, and to the puritv of the article selected." 

The Advantages of CMoroform and Ether. — Anges- 
thetics not only prevent pain and suffering, but place the 
patient in a passive state while the surgeon makes his 
operation, or pursues his other manual processes as delib- 
erately as if he were operating on the dead body. By its 
use all the cavities of the body can be explored. Under 
its influence the anus, rectum, vagina, uterus, urethra 
and bladder may be painlessly explored. The contents of 
the abdomen can be more certu inly examined while the 
abdominal muscles are relaxed under its influence. Deep 
sinuses leading to abscess cavities and diseased bones, can 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 473 

be readily examined by the probe, or other explorative 
measures. The exact condition of fractured bones and 
dislocated joints can be ascertained and the surgeon will be 
inexcusable if he neglects so important a means of diagno- 
sis in all cases of doubtful character. Delicate operations 
upon the generative organs of female children and young 
misses without them being conscious of it, and thus save 
them the mortification of a personal knowledge of all the 
procedures. 

Parity of the Air.— The presence of a normal propor- 
tion of all the elements of the air, as well as its freedom 
from foreign substances, has much to do with the success 
or failure of anaesthetics. No excess of carbonic acid gas 
and other deleterious agents, when present at a time when 
the proportion of oxygen that should enter the lungs at 
each inspiration is about to be lessened by the addition of 
the anaesthetic vapor. An average sized man will give off 
about six-tenths of a cubic foot of carbon dioxide and 
from one to one and a-half ounces of water, which is 
charged with the products of wear of the body. These 
exhalations are exceedingly offensive to the olfactories and 
also depress the vital activities of the patient, who al- 
ready has a surplus of such agents consequent upon the 
use of the anaesthetic. Particular attention should always 
be given to selecting a room of proper size, also to the 
methods of ventilation 

Parks and DeChamnout give ".(i per 1000 volumes of 
total carbonic acid gas in the air as the limit of impurity 
allowable. Of this about .2 is derived from respiration 
and the remainder is the normal quantity present in the 
atmosphere. In order to maintain the air at this stand- 
ard, an ordinary man requires to be supplied with three 
thousand cubic feet per hour." This is the minimum 
quantity, and it is unwise to accept this if more can be 
obtained. From four to five thousand feet should be 
secured if possible. Arrangements for this amount to be 
changed at least four times per hour should be made. This 
is the maximum number of times that the air can be 
changed without creating undesirable currents in the 
room. To secure this amount of air. the room should be 
eighteen by twenty feet, with the ceiling twelve feet high, 
which is about the maximum size of rooms in private 
dwellings. This space, however, may be increased to 
twice this size by opening the doors to adjoining rooms. 



474 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

Attention to ventilation must also be given. So many 
factors enter into this subject that it is difficult to give 
any definite rules. First, the height of the column of air 
—or rather the height of the room; second, the difference 
between the temperature in the room and that on the out- 
side; third, the rate of velocity of the wind; and fourth, 
position of the inlet and outlet. If the inlet is on the side 
from which the wind is blowing it will enter the room 
more rapidly than if placed on the opposite side. The 
heating appliances have much to do with the ventilation. 
Grates are the best ventilators; then come consecutively 
stoves, heated air from furnaces, and last and poorest, 
steam heat. All these circumstances must enter into 
account when arranging the ventilation of a room for 
anaesthesia. A basis from which calculation may be made 
is as follows: Take an opening of twenty-four square 
inches for each indi\idual, or six inches by four; if there 
are six persons to be in the room, then there should be six 
such openings. These would aggregate one hundred and 
twenty-four square inches, which would not give an equal 
temperature in the room. In private practice the open- 
ings or inlets can be arranged by letting the top sash 
down, and the exact amount estimated in inches or square 
feet. The windows have the advantage of being lowered 
or raised according as the amount of fresh air'is needed. 
The operating table should be placed in the room so that a 
current of cool air can be let in on the patient at any mo- 
ment should there be any signs of asphyxia. This can be 
done by placing the patient near a window that can be 
hoisted at a moment's warning. 

Are Chloroform and Ether Poisons?— In the classifi- 
cation of material substances in relation to the human 
body, there has been great diversity of opinion. In ac- 
cordance with their inherent properties substances may be 
arranged in three general classes. First, such agents as 
are entirely harmless in their action upon the living ele- 
ments of the body. To the second class belong such agents 
as water, heat, electricity, a proper proportion of oxygen 
and nitrogen in the atmosphere, and I may venture to say 
ether and chloroform, as well as others possessing similar 
properties that may be found hereafter. These agents 
have a_double action. The human system is so consti- 
tuted that a certain degree or amount of them is absolute- 
ly necessary to health, and life itself may be dependent 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 475 

upon their presence; and yet in quantities greater than is 
necessary to health they become detrimental in their ac- 
tion, and in still greater degrees or quantities, destructive 
to life. A third class of agents to which the term is ap- 
plicable, are always, under all circumstances, and in any 
quantity destructive to the living elements of the body. 
They produce somatic death by destroying such a propor- 
tion of the bioplasm as to interfere with, and even cause 
the vital functions, (circulations and respirations) to cease. 
The exact sphere and application of this word "poi&on ? ' has 
been a matter of dispute among medical men. 

It has been contended that there is poison in all sub- 
stances. A better knowledge of chemical laws, however, 
has shown that while the elements necessary for the for- 
mation of poisons may be found in almost any article of 
diet, as well as the human body itself; the organic struc- 
ture must be broken up and the atoms allowed to arrange 
themselves in new and different proportions to form new 
compounds. Thus, sodium and chlorine may be united in 
such atomic relations that sodium chloride (common salt) 
is formed. This new substance possesses entirely different 
physical properties and exerts a different influence on the 
body. The two elements before their combination are 
destructive agents, while the compound resulting from 
their union is not only harmless in iLs action upon the 
body; but actually is conducive to the highest degree of 
health. The most wholesome foods may be partially de- 
composed either before or after they enter the stomach 
and the resulting compounds be virulent poisons, capable 
of impairing health and destroying life. A mixture of the 
proper proportion of oxygen and nitrogen is essential to 
health. Any deviation from this gives to the mixture 
new properties which are injurious. In like manner the 
vapor of chloroform possesses properties differing from 
those of the liquid. Persons may be kept under its influ- 
ence for hours and if no operation or other procedure is 
undertaken that will shock the system, or disturb the cir- 
culation, the patient will awake as if from a natural sleep, 
and feel as well as usual. If the vapor of chloroform is 
destructive to the elementary substances of the body, the 
person would surely awake with some feeling of malaise. 
Various other forces or influences to which the human 
body is subject, may be deleterious, or beneficial according 
to circumstances. Light is essential to health and possi- 



476 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

bly to life at times. The force of gravity holds all matter 
in proper relation, and all the movements of matter in the 
universe are divided so that harmony prevails. When the 
equilibrium of this force is disturbed by bodies being 
thrown out of their relation to the earth which causes 
them to be unsupported, they fall to the ground. If a 
man falls from a building which is fifty feet high and is 
killed, it cannot be said that he died from the effects of 
poison. j^If an engine runs over, crushes the limbs of a man 
it cannot be said that the engine is a poisonous agent. 
The word must have some definite application, and must 
have some special sphere of action. The following defini- 
tions are perhaps the most concise, and more nearly ex- 
press the true relation of that class of agents that are tru- 
ly poisonous. 

This is from Quain's Dictionary of Medicine: "There is 
no legal definition of the word poison, and the definitions 
usually proposed are apt to include too much or too little. 
Generally a poison may be defined as a substance having 
an inherent deleterious property which renders it capable 
of destroying life by whatever avenue it is taken into the 
system " The leading thoughts in this definition are two 
only; first, the 'inherent deleterious property,'' and sec- 
ond, that the poison must enter the system. There are 
only two avenues proper by whiah the poison can enter the 
circulation, and reach its ultimate destination; viz., ab- 
sorption from the pulmonary, alimentary, or the cutaneous 
surfaces. Nearly but not quite all the poisons are taken 
into the stomach in such quantities as will produce death 
if absorbed. The second avenue is byJesion of tissue, as 
by snake bite, stings of insects, or by bringing the virus in 
contact with an abraded surface. Corrosive substances, 
such as mineral acids and other chemical agents, unless 
they possess some element that is capable of being ab- 
sorbed, cannot be classed as poisonous. 

The following definition proposed by Prof. George Hasty, 
is perhaps the most appropriate that has been given: "Poi- 
sons are substances having inherent properties of such a 
character that when^brought into contact with the living 
matter of the human body, destroy, or tend to destroy the 
same." The distinctive point in this is, that the poison 
must be brought in "contact with the living matter." 
This should be a final test of a poison; viz., that it destroys 
the living matter. This definition might be more explicit 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 4 m 

by adding that it destroys, or tends to destroy, in infini- 
tesimal quantities. With these agents quantity does not 
alter quality. This word "poison" has been used in the 
language of all nations from the earliest dawn of letters. 
The idea that there is a class of agents that uniformly 
possesses the power to kill when taken into the body was 
entertained by several of the sacred writers in a metaphor- 
ical sense. The Greeks made use of several words denotive 
of the poisonous action of some drugs and always in con- 
nection with the idea of taking them into the body. Thus 
they use the word (IiapixaxoKoaia (Pharmakoposia), the 
drinking of a medicine, potion, or of a poison; Qapixaxoizoren 
(Pharmakopoteo), to drink a medicinal potion or a poison. 

In the Latin language is found Potio, a drink, a draught, 
a potion: from Potare, to drink: Potion, a drink, a draught, 
especially a liquid medicine. 

The French use Empoisoner: the Spanish Pongonar, 
from the Latin Potionare, to give to drink. 

The following is from '-The Century Dictionary:" "Any 
substance which introduced into the living organism 
directly, tends to destroy the life or impair the health of 
the organism." The above is sufficient to show that all 
nations recognize a poison as a substance possessing inhe- 
rent properties capable of destroying living matter when 
introduced into the body. Do chloroform and ether belong 
to this class ? Do they uniformly kill or tend to kill when 
introduced into the living organism, and is it brought 
in contact with the living matter? The answer to this 
question is probably- one of the most difficult connected 
with the subject under consideration. That patients die 
while under its influence is unquestioned: but has it an 
inherent property to kill or tend to kill regardless of all 
circumstances? Common experience and clinical observa- 
tion has long since settled beyond a doubt the poisonous 
character of many substances: but it has only been within 
the last fifteen years that the power to kill living matter 
possessed by the agents has been demonstrated by subject- 
ing living matter (bioplasm) to their action- The micro- 
scope has shown that infinitesimal quantities destroy 
leucocytes. Ether and chloroform hav# not been tested in 
this way, but there is other evidence which points strongly 
to the conclusion that they are not poisonous. The prop- 
erties of opium and its alkaloids have been known to the 
profession for over two thousand years. Its power to 



478 SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

relieve pain has been recognized and tested in all its 
phases, and while a small dose can be given and stupor 
produced, yet when well marked the patient shows delete- 
rious results. Complete insensibility cannot be produced 
without giving enough to cause death. Its effect has been 
tried in surgical operations and failed. In cases of death 
from what is called an overdose there will be found a fluid 
state of the blood, the brain is crowded with dark blood, 
on the surface there will be ecchymosis produced by effu- 
sion; when the brain is cut there will be bloody points on 
the curt surface. In a ca»e of death from cyanide of potas- 
sium bloody points were observed in the brain and spinal 
marrow. In a case of death from the essential oil of bitter 
almonds there was general effusion of blood on the brain. 
In death'from alcohol the stomach has been found intense- 
ly congested, the mucous membrane presenting in some 
cases a bright red in others a dark brown color. In death 
from an overdose of nicotine there was effusion of dark 
colored blood in the course of the veins of the neck. The 
membranes of the brain were tilled with dark colored 
blood. In cases of death from strychnia there is a fluid 
state of the blood and congestion of the brain and upper 
part of the spinal cord. In a case of death from canium 
maculatum (hemlock) the lungs were gorged with dark 
fluid blood, and there were numerous bloody points. 

The above are extracts from Taylor's "Medical Jurispru- 
dence." By reference to "The United States Dispensato- 
ry, " "The National Dispensatory" and Shoemaker's 
"Materia Medica," it will be seen that there is nothing 
that contradicts Taylor's statements. He describes these 
cases as individual cases upon whom he made autopsies 
and saw for himself. He also describes graphically the 
symptoms present in cases of death from the vapor of chlo- 
roform, but says nothing about the appearances after 
death Is it likely that a man in his high position would 
so minutely describe the post mortem appearances in all 
other cases and neglect to do so in this one instance? If 
he made the examination and found lesions would he not 
have* reported them the same as others? May the same 
not be said of such works as named above, if they had 
found lesions as in death from other poisons? So far as I 
know only two observers have found real lesions of tissue 
after death from chloroform. Tillman quotes Winogradow 
as saying "that he found granular degeneration of the 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 479 

cells of the brain, spinal cord and ganglia of the heart, 
both in men and animals." 

The following is from "Reese on Toxicology," page 361: 
4 In death from inhalation (of chloroform) there is very 
often no lesion discoverable. At times there will be found 
a considerable congestion of the lungs and bronchial tubes 
and likewise of the vessels of the brain, together with a 
dark and fluid condition of the blood." 

First as to the statement of Winogradow, it is too gen- 
eral to go iuto an accurate clinical report. He should 
have named the specific cases in which he found those 
postmortem appearances, and stated all the circumstances 
connected with the administration of the agent, whether 
the subjects were in good health, etc. He should also have 
stated the precise points where he found the lesion, as it 
is not probable that the whole or even a considerable part 
of any of the organs named were thus destroyed. Until 
some such accurate report shall be made it cannot be con- 
clusively stated that the anaesthetic vapor caused death in 
that way. 

The second author, Reese, makes the same mistake by 
not being specific in his descriptions. He also admits that 
"very often no lesion is discoverable." If lesion is absent 
in some and present in others, then there must have been 
some different conditions which he should have discovered 
and described. That difference might have caused the 
lesions. 

The latest work that the writer has consulted is '"Chap- 
man on Toxicology," 18^5. Referring to the cause of death 
from chloroform vapor he says: "The postmortem appear- 
ances presented in cases of chloroform poisoning are those 
of death by asphyxia." (Page 229.) The following is from 
"Garretson's Oral Surgery" (page 436): •'Etherization ex- 
hibits to us the entire mechanism of asphyxia: we mean 
the successive deaths of the various nervous centres. It 
isolates, just as mechanical experiments do, the intellect- 
ual powers, the co-ordination of movements, sensibility, 
motility, life." 

"The autopsy in case of death from chloroform generally 
reveals little that is characteristic, and often gives no sat- 
isfactory explanation of the cause of death. Not infre- 
quently the above mentioned pathological changes in the 
organs are present and are more or less correctly consid- 
ered to be responsible for the accident- The blood is 



480 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

ordinarily uncoagulated and dark colored, but microscopic 
or chemical examination of it has hitherto given no satis- 
factory explanation for death. It is worth noting, how- 
ever, that as a result of the disturbance of respiration, the 
blood is over-loaded with carbonic acid." (See "Principles 
of Surgery and Surgical Pathology,*' Tillman, page 31. ) 

The changes referred to above are "Fatty degeneration- 
of the muscles of the heart, valvular lesions and degenera- 
tion of the walls of the vessels. The autopsies of the 
victims of anaesthesi a present nothing positive or charac- 
teristic. In such cases death is the consequence of dis- 
turbance of the nervous apparatus concerned in the act 
either of respiration or circulation. The changes which 
have produced the result are intra-molecular and are con- 
sequently beyond the reach of our senses " ("International 
Surgery," Vol. 1, page 424.) By the same author (page 
411): "Keeping in mind the fact that the effect of anaes- 
thetic substances is temporary, it seems more probable 
that they operate by inhibition of those chemical processes 
which are associated with the liberation and diffusion of 
motion throughout the system. Among the protoplasmic- 
molecules the substance acts the part of a screen, like a 
cloud between the sun and the earth; hindering the ener- 
gies of one from acting upon the susceptible matter of the 
other." Anaesthetics are never given to human beings 
while in health. There is in all cases some lesion of tissue 
or other abnormal state for which an operation is to be 
made. These deviations from health may have caused the 
changes of tissue that they found after death. 

As above shown by eminent writers the only conditions 
uniformly found alter death were those resembling as- 
phyxia. It only then remains to learn what is asphyxia. 
The following from Webster: "Apparent death or sus- 
pended animation particularly from suffocation or drown- 
ing or the inhalation of irrepressible gases, recently 
applied also to the collapse state of cholera with want of 
pulse." Foster's Dictionary: "As now used a state of 
suspended animation caused by impeded respiration, as by 
strangulation, smothering, submersion or the inhalation 
of an irrepressible gas." The above quotations are from 
men of ability and authority. The definitions are from 
the pen of the best philologists of the age, and seem to 
make it clear that death from anaesthetics is caused by 
asphyxia. In order to determine the difference between 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 481 

death by asphyxia and that produced by other causes, it 
will be necessary to point out the changes that take place 
in the tissues of the body. What takes place in asphyxia ? 

Oxygen is admitted to be indispensable to life by all 
physiologists. As above shown, strangulation, smother- 
ing, submersion or the inhalation of irrepressible gases, 
prevent the ingress of air and consequently oxygen being 
one of its constituents, is excluded. The point is made 
equally clear that the products of wear are, to a. large ex- 
tent, eliminated from the system through the air as it 
passes in and out of the lungs, and life cannot be main- 
tained more than five minutes after these interchanges are 
completely arrested. The proper .stimulant to the heart's 
action is the presence of a proper quantity of blood as well 
as a natural quality can only be supplied by the processes 
of respiration and circulation. These two functions are 
dependent on a natural condition of the nerves controlling 
these functions. The changes in the blood are absence of 
oxygen and the presence in an excessive quantity of the 
products of wear. The carbon compounds are largely 
eliminated by the lungs. When this with the other ele- 
ments which should also be eliminated are retained and 
accumulate in an unnatural quantity and retained longer 
than natural, chemical changes take place in the presence 
of the blood and carbonic acid gas is evolved. This ac- 
counts for the presence of gas in the blood that has been 
found by some authors and thought to be the cause of 
death; but this has been disproved by other writers who 
have found gas in the blood when death had taken place 
from other well known causes. 

According to the definitions of poisons and other quota- 
tions as given above, anaesthetics (chloroform and ether) 
do not belong in the category of poisons, since it has been 
shown that a poison possesses inherent properties capable 
of destroying or tending to destroy life by producing de- 
struction of tissues or living matter of the body. The 
inherent properties are as inseparable from these sub- 
stances as the attractive properties of the magnet, and 
cannot be changed without destruction of the form of 
matter in which it resides. So long as there is a molecule 
or an atom unchanged in its structure and relations the 
inherent property is present; and this property is exerted 
in proportion to its volume or magnitude. It follows from 
this that a poison when once in the system is as uncon- 



482 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

trollable as the cannon ball as it escapes from the mouth 
of the cannon and speeds on its way, producing destruc- 
tion wherever it comes in contact with other matter. 
This marks the line indelibly between poisons an'cl that 
large class of agents whose effect on matter depends on 
quantity, or are of such a nature that their effect may be 
prevented, or so modified as to render them capable of ac- 
complishing great good when the law governing them is 
obeyed, or equally as destructive when the laws are disre- 
garded. Heat, light, electricity, and chemical affluity 
have long been known to possess such properties; chloro- 
form and ether belong to the same class, but have not been 
so recognized. 

How Do Chloroform and Ether Act ?— Rest is an in- 
herent necessity. This proposition is stamped upon all 
nature. The Creator of the universe, after laboring six 
days rested upon the seventh, and left the inexorable law 
stamped upon every molecule of living matter. This 
means a cessation from action and a period of time when 
the proper avenues of communication with all external 
objects is for the time severed. The vegetable world has 
its period of budding, growing, blooming, and maturing of 
its fruit, then comes a period of repose. Whether this 
tendency to repose is inherent or determined by surround- 
ing conditions is not certain; perhaps both are contributing 
factors. That surrounding conditions do modify the peri- 
od of repose is abundantly established by gardeners and 
horticulturists. The gardener can take the seed that 
matures in early summer, plant it and bring two crops the 
same season, or he may keep the seed for years by supply- 
ing proper surrounding conditions The horticulturist 
can convert a biennial into an annual shrub and an annual 
into an evergreen by supplying necessary conditions to 
lengthen or shorten this period of repo-e. 

A\\ animal life has its period of rest during which the 
sensibilities are arrested and motion ceases. It has been 
thought that the heart never rests; but works on physi- 
ology show that it has its period of repose and recupera- 
tion. "Taking a cardiac cycle as a unit and seventy-two as 
the average number of cardiac evolutions per minute, 
each evolution may be considered to occupy five-sixths 
of a second, or about eight-tenths, which may be approxi- 
mated distributed in the following wav: 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 488 

Auricular systole, about .1 plus auricular diastole .7=.8 
Ventricular systole about .3 plus ventricular diastole .5=. 8 
Period of joint auricular and ventricular diastole. 4 
plus period of systole of auricles and ventricles .4=. 8 

If the speed of the heart be quickened, the time occu- 
pied by each cardiac revolution is of course diminished, 
but the diminution affects only the diastole and pause. 
The systole of the ventricles occupies very much the same 
time, whatever the pulse rate." ("Kirke's Physiology, 
page 186.) By the above we see that the systole and dia- 
stole are equal and that the heart rests during the period 
of diastole, thus proving that the heart rests one-half of 
the time. 

A materia medica that is perfect in all its departments 
must have remedies that will imitate in their action every 
function of the body. This has to a great extent been 
supplied. Cathartics imitate the natural movements of 
the bowels; diuretics increase the secretion of urine; and 
stimulants promote Lhe circulation. Rest is one of the 
natural functions of the body and sleep promotes rest. In 
this condition the sensibilities are suspended to a large 
degree, but not entirely, as powerful impressions will 
arouse the body to activity. There are conditions of the 
body and states of the mind in which the sensibilities are 
so completely held in abeyance that surgical operations 
can be made without causing any sensation of pain, and 
that too without drugs. From an early date there have 
been persons who have been so constituted that their co- 
ordinating aud connecting powers have been susceptible 
of certain influences. They may remain clear in their 
intellectual functions and yet their sentient apparatus be 
so changed in its relation as to enable them to look calmly 
on an operation upon their bodies and not experience a 
sense of pain. In others the intelligence is so disturbed 
that they are wholly unconscious. This condition has 
been brought about by certain influences bearing on a sus- 
ceptible mind. It was this influence that Mesmer exerted 
on his subjects, and it is the same influence that people 
call hypnotism at the present time. Chloroform has the 
same property. 

In "Therapeutics, its Principles and Practice," by H. C 
Wood (page 140), is the following : "Dr. Coleman ('Sansom 
Chloroform.' page 55, Philadelphia, 1866) states that he 
has extracted his own teeth without pain; and Dr. Snow 



484 SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

relates the anecdote of a child who played with his toys 
during the operation of lithotomy." 

The writer had occasion to remove the left half of the 
inferior maxillary bone for sarcoma in which the horizon- 
tal portion from the symphysia to the junction with the 
ascending ramus was affected: but from that point to the 
articulation of the bone it was sound. It was thought 
best to remove the entire piece at the articulation. Prof. 
C. T. Bedford administered the chloroform and the disar- 
ticulation was begun. Ii was soon found that the anaes- 
thetic was not acting well; symptoms of disturbance of 
the heart action as well as respiration were observed, and 
inhalation was discontinued; but the operator continued 
his work. It was Prof. Bedford's intention to resume the 
inhalation as soon as it seemed advisable; but the patient 
soon awoke and did not complain of pain. The further 
use of chloroform was not required. The operation was 
completed, the patient all the time talking, but did not 
complain of any pain until the stitches were being placed, 
when he said he felt the needle passing through the skin, 
but said the pain was not great. 

The writer was also present where a surgeon was operat- 
ing for lacerated os uteri. The dissections were completed 
and the sutures inserted after the patient became con- 
scious and began talking. No more of the anaesthetic was 
given (which was the usual A. C. E. mixture) and the ope- 
ration completed without pain. 

The following case recorded in the "Journal of a Natu- 
ralist" affords a remarkable instance of this general fact. 
The correctness of the statement having been called in 
question, it was fully confirmed by Mr. Richard Smith, 
the late Senior Surgeon of the Bristol Infirmary, under 
whose care the sufferer had been. "A traveling man, one 
winter's evening, laid himself down upon the platform of 
a lime-kiln, placing his feet, probably benumbed with cold, 
upon the heap of stones, newly put on to burn through the 
night. Sleep overcame him in this situation; the fire 
gradually rising and increasing, until it ignited the stones 
upon which his feet were placed. Lulled by the warmth, 
the man slept on; the tire increased until it burned one 
foot (which probably was extended over a vent-hole) and 
part of the leg above the ankle entirely off; consuming 
that part so effectually that a cinder-like fragment was 
alone remaining— and still the wretch slept on'.— and in 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 485 

this state was found by the kiln-man in the morning. In- 
sensible to any pain, and ignorant of his misfortune, he 
attempted to rise and pursue his journey; but missing his 
shoe, requested to have it found; and when he was raised, 
putting his burnt limb to the ground to support his body, 
the extremity of his leg-bone— the tibia— crumbled into 
fragments, having been calcined into lime. Still he ex- 
pressed no sense of pain, and probably experienced none: 
from the gradual operation of the fire, and his own torpid- 
ity during the hours his foot was consuming. This poor 
drover survived his misfortunes in the hospital about a 
fortnight; but the fire having extended to other parts of 
his body, recovery was hopeless.'' ("Carpenter's Human 
Philosophy, " page 549.) 

In the case of insidious shock the body may be horribly 
mutilated, either by mechanical injuries or by burns or 
scalds, and the patient will be conscious and suffer no pain 
while life lasts. 

These cases are related to show that the sentient part of 
the nervous system may be so influenced by circumstances 
that exert no evil influences on the living matter of the 
centres of circulation and respiration, and yet the func- 
tion of this part of the nervous system will be entirely 
abated for the time being. 

An instance has been cited where chloroform vapor ar- 
rested fermentation without destroying the vitality of the 
ferment or disarranging the organic matter; as evidenced 
by its resumption of activity as soon as the anaesthetic is 
removed. The sensitive plant was also anaesthetized and 
awoke and resumed active growth as soon as pure air was 
substituted. In the same manner the human body can be 
subjected to the action of those agents and in a very short 
time awake and resume all the functions as regularly as 
before. Just what action they exert or what changes are 
effected it is at present impossible to tell. Henry M. Ly- 
man, A. M., M. D., as above quoted from the "Interna- 
tional Surgery," says: "Among the protoplasmic mole- 
cules, the substance acts the part of a screen, like a cloud 
between the sun and the earth, hindering the energies of 
one from acting upon the susceptible matter of the other.'" 
In experimenting with numerous substances upon living 
matter, Prof. Jacob Redding found that there are agents 
which when brought in contact with living matter, would 
cause it to relax, spread out and remain motionless as long 



486 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

as the drug continued in contact with it; but eventually 
it would resume activities. Another class of agents would 
cause the bioplast to assume the sperical form; these bio- 
plasts would never resume work, and after some hours 
would disintegrate and disappear from the field of the 
microscope. Might not this work the changes that take 
place in relaxation and paralysis ? 

It might be urged against this theory that small doses 
of any narcotic may exert its legitimate effects and then 
the patient recover, as it is well known that patients re- 
cover from the effects of small doses of many poisons, just 
as they do from small doses of chloroform vapor; and also 
die from large doses of either. It has been very forcibly 
shown above that the vapor of chloroform or ether does 
not destroy living matter, but that poisons positively do. 
The difference in the mode of death is the only point that 
is of sufficient importance to discuss. Water is not consid- 
ered a poison by any one, and yet if its laws are transcend- 
ed death follows as certainly and promptly as it does from 
any poison. The body may be immersed in water for an 
indefinite time, provided the mouth and nose are not sub- 
merged; but let these points be covered, the water enters 
the lungs, excludes the air and respiration ceases. This is 
purely a mechanical interference with a vital function 
and one that is preventable. Water is perfectly harmless 
and conducive to health as long as its laws are obeyed. So 
we think with the anaesthetics; they are safe while they 
are kept in their proper sphere of action. 

Life then depends on the skill and knowledge ol the 
anaesthetist and on the agent used. The only question 
then is, how near can these laws be obeyed ? Occasionally 
it will be impossible to foresee and provide against acci- 
dental violations of these laws, just as it is in all mechan- 
ical pursuits. Sometimes a death will occur and no one 
could avoid it; but we. believe if those laws were better 
known and greater care exercised, there would be very few 
deaths— very many less than at this time. This we think 
cannot be said of any poisonous agent. Whenever any 
poisonous agent is introduced into the body and comes in 
contact with the living matter, no amount of skill can 
prevent its legitimate effect. It either kills or tends to 
kill, in proportion to the number of molecules of the po - 
son present to those of the living matter. 

This mav be illustrated by using sir William Thomson's 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 487 

hypothesis. He has reached a quassi-definite conclusion 
•is follows: ' If a drop of water were magnified, to the size 
of the earth, the molecules or granules would each occupy 
spaces greater than those filled by small shot and smaller 
than those occupied by cricket balls " We cannot even in 
our imagination enumerate the molecules that, according 
To this hypothesis, would be found in the blood of a man. 
Let us suppose now that one grain of morphia could be 
compressed into a bulk the size of one drop of water and 
compute the proportion that would ; exist between the 
morphia and the whole amount of blood in the body. It 
would not seem possible for this amount of morphia to be 
brought in contact with any large proportion of the blood; 
but it would kill all the molecules that it could reach, and 
if it reached a sufficient number so that the debras should 
be so great that its presence would obstruct the circula- 
tion of the blood, death would follow; or if a few molecules 
should reach the vital spot in the medula oblongata and 
destroy the centres for circulation and respiration, only a 
fe^v molecules would be necessary to produce death. 

This is the reason why a very small amount of some 
poisons will kill one patient, and will fail, apparently, to 
injure some other. Although the injury is not apparent 
at the time, yet it is a destruction of some of the physical 
organization, and a diminution of the vital properties of 
the body. This calls for the expenditure of some vital 
effort that lessens the resistive and recuperative powers, 
and in the end shortens life, or cripples usefulness, just in 
the same way that a man spends his fortune before he 
dies. " If he has ten thousand dollars and should live ten 
years. The first year he draws out fifteen hundred dollars 
and hopes the other eight thousand and five hundred dol- 
lars will bring him interest enough to keep up his deposits 
to the original amount; as a fact it will not do it. At the 
end of the first year, if the interest is six per cent., he will 
have as a principal $9010.00; at the end of the second year 
his principal would be $7960.60; at the end of the eighth 
year he would have in bank $201.50. Thus it is with the 
man who habitually or even occasionally takes poison in 
small doses. He does not die after the first, second or 
even the one hundredth dose; but slowly and impercepti- 
bly, like the man drawing his money from the bank, he is 
exhausting his reserve powers, and when in old age he is 
attacked with sickness, he finds his reserve exhausted 



488 SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

and he must die several years before his allotted time. 

The critic will ask: "Chloroform and ether not being 
poisons, how do they kill ?" The answer is, by inhibition. 
The anaesthetic restrains bioplasm in the cells in the 
medula oblong ita, acting the same as it does on the proto- 
plasm in the cells of the sensitive plant at the base of the 
petioles. It is a law of the animal economy, especially of 
man, that if circulation and respiration are prevented for 
the space of five minutes, death follows as a result. If the 
anaesthetic reaches the vital spot in the medula oblongata 
and thus inhibits circulation for the time above men- 
tioned, the man dies by asphyxia. 

Accidents attending the use of anaesthetics. 

One of the most common accidents to which patients are 
exposed is obstruction to respiration caused by the tongue 
falling back over the glottis They are exposed to this on 
account of the position on the back. When the tongue and 
fauces are relaxed, the force of gravity carries the base of 
the organ directly over the glottis. The air ceases to enter 
the lungs, the heaving of the chest deceives the anaesthet- 
ist, and the continuation of the pulsation at the wrist con- 
firms the deception. Suddenly the pulse stops, and when 
death occurs it is attributed to paralysis of the heart. It 
was the custom of Mr. Syme to disregard the pulse in order 
that more attention could be directed to the respiration. 
Mr. Lister also agrees with Mr. Syme and states that the 
respiration is of more importance than the heart-action. 
This may be true, but it is the experience of the writer 
that it is safer to entrust the respiration and circulation 
to c ne man and leave the anaethetist to his duties, having 
only a casual oversight of these vital functions. 

The premonitory symptoms of this accident are stertor- 
ous breathing and vascular disturbances. The former 
may be caused either by relaxation or spasm of the muscles 
of the fauces. This latter condition is described by Erich- 
sen more fully than by any other author, as far as my 
knowledge extends. He says on the authority of Mr. Lis- 
ter, that the spasm is at the upper opening of the larynx. 
The folds of mucus membrane, above the apices of the ary- 
tenoid cartilages are carried forward till they are in contact 
with the base of the epiglottis which remains erect, and 
unchanged in position. The laryngeal stridor that charac- 
terizes this condition, is of a peculiar character: and re- 
quires to be heard only once to be recognized ever after. 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 489 

There is a peculiar effort to breathe and the muscles of the 
neck and larynx are in a state of rigidity. The respiratory 
effort is convulsive and the sound is stridulous. This con- 
trasts sharply with the slow, heavy breathing and dull, low 
pitched stertor of the premonitory stage that preceeds the 
closure of the glottis in the first condition mentioned. 

These two conditions are dangerous in the extreme sense 
of the word. It shows that the vital spot in the medula is 
being approached. An instant more and the patient may 
cease to breathe and death takes place either by syncope 
or asphyxia. It is not possible to tell in every case which 
may be the urgent condition. The anaesthetic must be re- 
moved from the face at once: all operative proceed ures 
■should cease, and the patient be allowed to inhale fresh 
air. If death by syncope threatens the patient, lowering 
of the head will favor the return of the blood to the brain. 
The mouth should be pressed open and the tongue seized 
with a pair of forceps and drawn well forward. If there is 
spasm of the laryngeal muscles, respiration will be estab- 
lished by reflex action. If respiration is hindered by the 
tongue falling back, the patient will breathe as soon as 
there is a free entrance and exit for the air. Should the 
case be one of asphyxia, and life seems extinct, there may 
still be hope of recovery. The respiration often stops sev- 
eral minutes before the heart ceases to act. Artificial res- 
piration should be instituted: before leaving this part of 
the subject, I wish to call attention to the manner of draw- 
ing the tongue forward. It is necessary to do this, and at 
the same time see that the larynx and fauces are free. To 
this end it is well for the anaesthetist, who is supposed to 
be standing at the patient's head, to grasp the jaws with 
both his hands and carry them forward, being careful to 
keep the head in line with the body. This insures a free 
entrance and exit for air. 

Artificial respiration is often performed in an irregular 
and bunglesome manner. It is not uncommon to see some 
one give the patient a punch in the stomach, and I think 
1 have seen very unpleasant results from this rude hand- 
ling. The patient is likely to be very sore for several days. 
and sometimes will suffer acute pain in the epigastric 
region, accompanied with nausea and vomiting. It is very 
dangerous to handle patients roughly. The utmost care 
should be taken in all manipulations lest a sudden move- 
ment should stop the heart action and cause death. 



490 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

To produce insensibility from the use of ether, it is often 
necessary to exclude nearly if not all the air. Under such 
circumstances the patient may die from asphyxia, but the 
heart continues to beat for a short time after all motion 
of the chest ceases. This is caused by the devitalized 
blood filling the capillaries of the lungs, thus excluding 
whatever small amount of oxygen may have entered with 
the ether. This condition may first be noticed by a 
change in the color of the face, especially the lips, which 
will be livid. Shallow respiration will also mark the on- 
set. Small flickering pulse and dilated pupils, accompa- 
nied with convulsive movements of the muscles and dis- 
tended veins in the neck, may also be present as immediate 
forerunners of the fatal result. The same treatment as 
instituted for the foregoing accidents will be proper. 
Dashing cold water in the face, or pouring it from a height 
on the chest or abdomen has been found of benefit. Forci- 
bly dilating the spinster muscle with a Pratt's speculum 
has been attended with good results. Inserting ice in the 
rectum has been recommended and favorably spoken of, 
Persons having fatty degeneration of the heart, or a gen- 
erally soft and flabby muscular system, with a feeble 
action of the heart and dilatation of the ventricles, are 
likely to die suddenly if chloroform is used. Ether is safer 
in such cases than chloroform. 

It has been shown that nearly one-half the deaths from 
ether and chloroform have taken place before full anaes- 
thesia has been produced. 

Some anaesthetists have taken extreme ground on the 
subject of rapidly or slowly bringing patients under its 
influence. Those on the side of rapidly giving full quanti- 
ties at once, instruct the patient to take full and rapid 
breaths. In this case the blood becomes over-charged 
with the anaesthetic and is carried to the lungs in large 
quantities, and goes directly to the left side of the heart; 
a powerful local impression is made on the ganglia of the 
heart; a portion of this blood goes surcharged to the brain 
and there makes another powerful impression almost be- 
fore the general system feels it at all. Under these circum- 
stances the heart may cease to act, or acts feebly; the color 
of the face becomes pale; the pupils dilate; the respiration 
is convulsive; and life, if it does not become extinct, is 
only saved by the most timely and energetic action. 

If ether is given, the heart beats violently at first, the 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 491 

blood fills the capillaries of the skin and gives it a dusky 
or purple hue. The brain is crowded with this dark blood. 
the vessels are engorged, unconsciousness supervenes and 
death by coma may take place in from two to ten days. 

A great amount has been written by some surgeons 
about death taking place by reflex action in the early 
stages of anaesthesia. It is difficult for me to understand 
how an impression of a so-called paralyzing character could 
make such a profound impression on a distant organ as to 
cause it to cease to act. I believe that most, if not all the 
deaths reported to have been caused by reflex action, were 
in fact caused by suddenly overwhelming the heart as 
above described. The same accident may occur where 
from some cause the anaesthetic has been removed. The 
air in the lungs being charged with it already, to resume 
the anaesthetic in full draughts may over-charge the blood 
and stop respiration or circulation as above mentioned. 

Antesthetic Compounds.— The dangers attending the 
use of the agents when given singly have induced surgeons 
to try various methods of compounding them, hoping to 
modify their deleterious action without impairing their 
desirable qualities. This effort has met with some opposi- 
tion. Mr. Snow discards their use and says that a combi- 
nation of their objectionable qualities is obtained without 
a full influence of the beneficial. However, the use of any 
combination has never supplanted either of the great 
anaesthetics. A compound is like any similar substance — 
it may possess some properties of each of the elements 
entering into its composition, but those properties are as 
inflexible as those of the elementary substances. Its range 
of influence may be different, but just as limited. The 
only scientific rule for forming compounds is the therapeu- 
tic indications that call for the use of properties which 
cannot be found in any elementary substance. These de- 
mands are so varied that any compound may contain med- 
icines whose properties are not needed in the case at hand. 
It is bad practice to allow any agent to go into a compound 
whose action is not needed. If it is a poison, it will cer- 
tainly prove destructive; if it is not poisonous, it is an 
embarrassment to a system to eliminate it, as it attempts 
to, or does cast it out. Each compound represents one 
or many properties, in the same sense as does any single 
remedy which possesses inherent properties. 

The mixture which has been most thoroughly tested is 



492 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

that consisting of three parts of ether and one of chloro- 
form, known as the "Vienna mixture'' and which is said 
to have been given in Vienna alone eight hundred times 
without a fatal accident. Bilroth adds to this now, one 
part absolute alcohol. 

Next to this is the alcohol-chloroform-ether mixture- - 
one part alcohol, two parts chloroform, and three parts 
ether, by measure. These mixtures were especially recom- 
mended by the "Chloroform Committee" as being as effect- 
ive as pure chloroform, and a safer agent when deep and 
prolonged anaesthesia is to be produced. Although this or 
any other mixture has been used by only a few surgeons, 
it is highly recommended by them, and is considered safer 
and just as effectual as either of the other agents when 
they are used alone. 

The action of anaesthetics is said to have been modified 
by the use of morphine, The usual method is to give from 
one-sixth to one-third of a grain at least twenty minutes 
before commencing the inhalation of chloroform. It is 
claimed that it lessens the stage of excitement and reduces 
the amount of chloroform to one-half the usual amount 
required. The vomiting is less frequent and the patient 
falls into a quiet sleep. However highly it may be recom- 
mended by a few surgeons, it has not been generally 
accepted by the profession. Tillman recommends it very 
highly for operations on the face, mouth, pharynx and 
nose, as the patient retains sufficient intelligence and 
power to control the muscles of the throat, thus enabling 
him to keep the blood cleared from the respiratory pas- 
sages. But he adds: "As objections to the combined 
morphine-chloroform narcosis, both Kacher and I have 
noticed that the morphine sleep following the operation 
has a bad influence upon breathing, and permits the inha- 
lation of foreign matter with a resulting aspiration-phe- 
nomena." The authors say that injections of chloral 
hydrate may be resorted to; that they have a close resem- 
blance to the morphine-chloroform narcosis. In "Moulin 's 
Surgery," by Hamilton, may be found the following: "An 
injection of morphia before the chloroform is given ena- 
bles anaesthesia to be produced much more rapidly and 
without struggling, but it very greatly increases the dan- 
ger of syncope." Keen, in his "American Text-Book of 
Surgery," says: "It has been suggested that hypodermic 
injection of one-sixth of a grain of morphia and one- 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 493 

hundred-and-twentieth of a grain of sulphate of atropia 
given before the inhalation has commenced, acts benefi- 
cially:" but he does not say that he has used it himself. 
Hi* statement of the fact would imply that he has not 
used it. With the testimony of its friends as to its doubt- 
ful efficacy, Physio-Medicalists will have no use for the 
agent. With the stimulants which are at the command 
of every Physio-Medicalist, reaction from the shock of the 
operation can be established, and with the nervines and 
relaxants in the stage of febrile movement, the patient's 
suffering will be assuaged and sleep procured without any 
of the risks that accompany the use of the morphia. 

In cases where from some cause the stomach is full of 
food or other accumulations when anaesthesia is begun, 
the presence of such material interferes with the free 
movement of the heart and respiration, and may result 
seriously if not disastrously. In the act of vomiting, some 
of the matter may fall into the larynx and cause fatal 
asphyxia. To avoid any accident from this cause, when 
the patient is about to vomit, he should be gently turned 
on the side, being supported by the hands in such a way 
that there will be free exit for the contents of the stom- 
ach. Should there be signs of asphyxia, the mouth should 
be forced open and the ringers carried boldly back of the 
fauces, for the purpose of exploring the parts, especially 
the rima glotidis, to see that nothing is resting upon it. 
If the substance is small, it will probably pass into the 
trachea. In this ca*e artificial respiration should be main- 
tained. Failing in this, the trachea maybe opened and 
respiration kept up in that way. Other substances may 
fall into the larynx. Artificial teeth, tobacco, and some- 
times the cork that has been used to keep the mouth open. 
Corks, or other small substances used for this purpose, 
should have a cord attached to them. Sudden death has 
frequently occurred when patients (either adults or chil- 
dren! have been struggling violently against the use of 
the anaesthetic. If the!y are conscious, the spasmodic res- 
piration may carry a large quantity of the vapor into the 
lungs as stated above: or if semi-unconscious, the air in 
the lungs being already well charged with the vapor, a 
deep inspiration such as occurs at times when the lungs 
are suddenly filled by one deep and prolonged effort, may 
carry sufficient vapor into the air cells to cause sudden 
death. The greatest care should be exercised at this time. 



494 SUKGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

in order to prevent a sudden ingress of vapor. Vomiting 
frequently follows the use of the anaesthetic, and may be 
produced by three separate conditions, all of which are 
directly attributable to disturbances of the circulation 
caused by the shock of the operation. The reaction from 
the vascular disturbances in the abdominal viscera, caused 
by injury or operations, is attended with nausea and vom- 
iting, which can be promptly relieved by establishing a 
free and- full circulation in all parts of the body. In. a 
second class of cases, the vomiting is caused by an over- 
distension of the vessels of the brain. This makes pressure 
on the control centres which, under certain circumstances, 
influence the centres for vomiting. Vomiting may also be 
caused by enaemia of the brain, as this condition may be 
brought about by the use of chloroform, while the former 
condition is due to the action of ether. In either case 
there is vomiting, but it may be from opposite conditions. 
In the first case, the usual treatment employed by 
Physio-Medicalists in shock of injury will be proper. In 
the second and third classes, absolute quiet and rest must 
be maintained. The patient's room must be darkened and 
all visitors excluded, allowing no one in the room but the 
attendants. If the pulse is feeble and soft, and the tem- 
perature low, bottles of warm water should be placed at 
the feet, knees, and along the spine, when it can be done. 
Weak mustard plasters over the epigastrium and warm 
applications to the abdomen will often give relief. Hot 
water by the stomach, in teaspoonful doses, repeated every 
ten or fifteen minutes, often gives relief from the nausea 
and adds heat to the body. If the temporal arteries are 
full and strong, or the head hot, indicating hyperemia of 
the brain, bathing the head in three parts warm water 
and one part alcohol, and dampening the hair with the 
same. Leaving the head uncovered favors evaporation, 
and thus tends to reduce the temperature and restore tone 
to the venous system. Give but little food and medicine 
by the stomach; medicate and nourish by the rectum, 
should be the rule, to which there may be exceptions. If 
medicines are used by the stomach, they should be very 
mild. After hot water has been used a few hours, if the 
vomiting is not made worse by it, equal parts of hot milk 
and water may be allowed, in teaspoonful doses. If the 
stomach seems hot and there is great thirst, one teaspoon- 
ful of calcined magnesia in one-fourth of a glass of cold 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 495 

water and given in teaspoonful doses every half hour, does 
well. Ten grains of oil of lobelia (prepared by trituration 
with sugar) may be given once every hour if there is a 
febrile movement. A weak infusion of mentha vir. or 
mentha pip. may also prove beneficiai; but there is noth- 
ing more deleterious than the use of active drugs given in 
large doses. 

Vomiting in the early stage of anaesthesia is caused by 
a profound influence being made on the nerve centres 
before the anaesthetic has had time to reach the more 
remote parts of the system. This need not cause alarm if 
the stomach is empty. As soon as the vomiting ceases, 
the agent can be cautiously applied again without any 
risk. In elderly people and epileptics, there may arise 
some cerebral disturbance, which can be treated on gen- 
eral principles as the same condition, when it arises in 
other cases. Hypostatic pneumonia may occur in old 
people several days after; but it is caused by the inability 
of the structures to rid themselves of the accumulated 
blood consequent upon the shock produced by the opera- 
tion, rather than the effect of the anaesthetic. The same 
condition may arise in any case whose vital structures are 
weakened. Fatal syncope may occur when a patient sud- 
denly rises from the table. No patient should be allowed 
to rise for at least one hour after consciousness has been 
restored. They should not be left alone— -not even for a 
moment. Austie tells of a case, in his own experience, 
that rose suddenly, while the attention of the nurse was 
called to something else, and fell back dead. 

Complete Anaesthesia — How to Detect It. — Different 
writers have mentioned and relied on different symptoms. 
One surgeon depends on what may be. called the arm test. 
In this 'test hold up the patient's forearm, and when it 
falls powerless by the side, the patient is thought to be 
completely anaesthetized. This test is not reliable, as a 
patient's mind may be obscured before anaesthesia is 
established. In such cases they are not sufficiently under 
the influence to be insensible to pain. 

Another surgeon tells us to separate the eyelids and if 
the pupil is contracted, and insensible to light, and touch- 
ing the eyeball with a probe gives no response, then the 
patient is ready for the knife. Dr. Snow, as quoted by 
Garretson, first called attention to the condition of th^ 
eyelashes, which he claims will be the last sensation to 



496 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

yield, and when they can be touched without giving evi- 
dence of sensation, any operation can be made without 
evidence of consciousness. Dr. G-arretson says that he has 
relied on this test for years, and it has never disappointed 
him. He says just after unconsciousness is induced, if 
the eyelashes are touched with a probe they close very 
strongly, especially in females. If the chloroform is con- 
tinued the lids gradually lose their sensibility until they 
fail to respond to any impression. 

Pricking the skin with a sharp instrument is sometimes 
resorted to, but this will fail as sensibility yields first in 
the anterior part of the' body. Operations on the genital 
organs, rectum, fingers and toes require deep anaesthesia. 
Plastic operations in which a large amount of the integu- 
ment is involved, necessitating the insertion of numerous 
stitches, require more of the anaesthesia than where the 
dissections are made on the deeper structures. 

From personal observation the writer is convinced that 
each of the above symptoms is of value; but that the anaes 
thetist should take all the symptoms into account when 
making a judgment. The general condition of the patient 
should be considered. The circulation, respiration and 
condition of the pulse have much to do with the state of 
anaesthesia. The muscular sense is as reliable as any other 
single symptom. When a patient is completely anaesthet- 
ized it has lost all its tonicity and feels like a dead muscle. 
If the student will learn the sensation imparted to his 
hand when feeling the muscles of a cadaver, he will have 
no difficulty in detecting complete anaesthesia. Again 
there is something indescribable about a patient under 
these circumstances which intuitively tells him that the 
patient is ready for the operation. All the above signs 
should be given full credit where there is an imperative 
reason for determining When a patient is anaesthetized. 

Incomplete Ancesthesia.— The writer, in common with 
other members of the profession, has entertained the opin- 
ion that it is safer for the patient if he is not profoundly 
under the influence of the anaesthetic. Especially is this 
the case when there exists heart disease. Patients par- 
tially anaesthetized will writhe, moan and in various ways 
express signs of pain; but when consciousness returns, 
they have no knowledge of it. This has been thought to 
be a safe stage in which to operate. There is, however, a 
difference of opinion on this point. Many surgeons of 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS -'97 

experience advise against the practice. Physio-Medical- 
ists have been very successful. As far as I know, there 
has never been a death in their hands under these circum- 
stances; yet it is well to give heed to the experiences of 
others. Mr. Lister relates a case of death that he wit- 
nessed. "The patient whs a man above the middle period 
of life. He was afflicted with cancer of the penis. Con- 
sidering the momentary nature of the operation, chloro- 
form was purposely not given to ihe full extent. The 
surgeon now placing his Angers on the pulse and finding 
the pulse was good, at once made the amputation almost 
instantaneous. I observed," says Lister, "that the pas- 
sage of the knife through the member was accompanied 
by a start of, the patient's body. The bandage applied on 
the organ to restrain hemorrhage was removed, but no 
blood flowed from the arteries: he was dead." Lister's 
opinion was that he died from the shock operating on a 
weak he'art, and thinks that if the chloroform had been 
pushed to the full extent, he would not have died. It is 
probable that it is safer to give the anaesthetic to the de- 
gree that was mentioned in a former place, and which so 
closely resembles natural sleep. It is bad practice to allow 
a patient to fluctuate so much as is often seen. Patients 
who are half conscious and struggling against the pains 
inflicted by the surgeon's knife, and the next moment 
snoring in the depths of profound anaesthesia, are likely 
to have a slow and tedious awakening, together with 
troublesome vomiting or other unpleasant complications. 
Narcomania,— Persons addicted to the use of morphia, 
chloral, cocaine or alcohol, are bad subjects for anaesthesia. 
Their systems are so inured to influences that so closely 
resemble anaesthesia, that they require more than the 
others who are not habitual users of those drugs. Their 
vital capacities being weakened, they are unable to rally 
from its influence. 

; Inhalers.— One of the chief differences between ether 
and chloroform consists entirely in the quantity used. 
In ether the question is. how nearly can the air be exclu- 
ded ?— while in the other, how little chloroform can be 
admitted and yet get its full influence? In the latter case 
no instrument is absolutely necessary. In fact a handker- 
chief is claimed to be the best and safest. Garretson uses 
a sponge. He first wets it in water and squeezes the water 
out. Upon this he drops a few drops of chloroform at first, 



498 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

and in a few minutes be increases it till full anaesthesia is 
produced. He regards most kinds of apparatus as entitled 
to no better name than "life traps." 

The following is a quotation from Mr. Erichsen (Vol. 1, 
page 52): "The following is the way in which chloroform 
may be most safely given on lint or a handkerchief with- 
out apparatus of any kind: On a piece of folded lint 
about three inches square, and about three doubles, a dram 
of chloroform is poured; and the lint then held about 
three inches from the patient's nose, so as to admit a free 
admixture of air with the first few inhalations of the 
vapor. After the lapse of about one-half minute the lint 
is brought nearer the patient's nose, to within one inch, 
but never allowed to touch." Keen uses a handkerchiel. 
Moulin uses a piece of lint and a drop-bottle. He folds 
the lint upon itself two or three times and then drops a 
few drops of chloroform on it, and then turns the lint over 
so that the moistened surface is next to the mouth. 

Dr. H. C. Wood read a paper at the Berlin Congress in 
1890 in which he called attention to the superiority of 
"forced artificial respiration." He stated that he had 
repeatedly resuscitated dogs that seemed to be dead. All 
the apparatus that Dr. Wood recommends is a face mask, 
a bellows, and a foot of India rubber tubing. Before ap- 
plying the face mask a thread should be passed through 
the tongue, and the organ well drawn out and held in 
place so that the epiglottis is held up. If the lungs do 
not expand, an intubation tube should be inserted. He 
recommends that two sizes be on hand. The lungs should 
be thoroughly but slowly expanded by each stroke of the 
bellows, care being taken that too much force is not used, 
as the air cells might be ruptured. It is essential that 
the lungs be freed from the residual air as quickly as pos- 
sible and thus relieve the blood of the chloroform. This 
apparatus or any other that is complicated will be all right 
for hospitals or any one who chooses to use it. but in the 
absence of it, artificial respiration thoroughly performed 
will accomplish the same result with less risk. Of course 
it matters not what means is adopted. The operator 
should see that the throat and larynx are free. To accom- 
plish this the tongue should always be drawn forward. It" 
any apparatus is used, those above mentioned or Esmarch's 
are the best, and in fact the only ones the writer would-rec- 
ummead. Ether should always be administered with an 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS 499 

inhaler. The Allis or Esmarch's for ether are the best. 
The number of inhalers now on the market is very large, 
and each has its admirers; but we think that these two 
above named are the least complicated, and therefore less 
liable to get out of order. 

In the absence of any instrument, a very good one can 
be made by folding a piece of heavy paper in the form of a 
cone, cutting the large end to fit the irregularity of the 
face; and then place a napkin, sponge, piece of lint or ab- 
sorbent cotton in it and secure it with pins. Drop the 
ether on the under side of this substance and bring it near 
the face, but not to touch, for the first few minutes. After 
the patient has inhaled it lightly for a few minutes, the 
quantity of ether may be increased, and the apparatus 
brought down close to the face. The air may be nearly, 
but not entirely excluded. Any signs of asphyxia or fail- 
ure of the circulation as manifested by the respiration, 
pulse or color, should at once be considered a reason for 
removing the inhaler until the circulation or respiration 
is completely restored. After a patient is fully under 
either anaesthetic, the agent should not be continuously 
held over the nose. Opportunity should be afforded for a 
breath of fresh air every few minutes. It requires more 
ether to keep the patient constantly at the right stage of 
anaesthesia than chloroform. Constant watchfulness is 
necessary as the operation proceeds and the room gets 
warmer. 

Anaesthetics During Shock.— This subject has been 
under consideration by many eminent surgeons ever since 
their (anaesthetics) use in surgery; some recommending 
their use, others condemning them. Those who recom- 
mend their use claim that they act as a stimulant and 
favor reaction. Those who oppose their use. do so on the 
supposition that they are narcotic poisons, and have a 
tendency to add to the shock rather than to act as a stim- 
ulant. The unsettled state of this point should cause 
Physio-Medicalists to investigate for themselves. This 
question, if settled at all, must be done by studying the 
cause of pain as well as its influence on the organism. 
•Pain the monitor and rest the cure," says Heaton, 
••should be recognized by all." Physio-Medicalists have 
always considered pain as a friendly monitor, and valued 
it as an element in diagnosis. They have considered it an 
evidence of vital activity, which is no doubt correct; but 



500 SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

does it not also produce debility? And does it not often 
add to the gravity of the case? An answer to these ques- 
tions, either in the negative or affirmative, will probably 
determine the advisability of using or not using anaesthet- 
ics in shock of injury. 

Starting with the proposition, as we have, that anaes- 
thetics are non-poisonous, and if properly administered 
never produce death or destruction of living matter, our 
first inquiry should be, does pain of itself ever produce 
prostration or hinder reaction ? For myself, it has been a 
matter of common experience that small operations, every- 
thing else being equal, cause more shock than major ope-' 
rations do with the use of anaesthetics. Some months ago 
Prof. Haggard had occasion to remove some small cancer 
tumors from the region where he had previously removed 
a cancerous mammary gland. Cocaine was injected and 
two removed without any suffering or apparent prostra- 
tion. A third one was likewise treated with cocaine, but 
owing to the density of the cicatricial tissue the anaes- 
thetic did not reach every part of the structure. While 
making the last half of the dissection, the lady complained 
severely. Her pulse failed and the surface became livid. 
Respiration was shallow, and she was on the point of a 
collapse when the work was completed, which had not 
lasted to exceed three minutes. 

Only a few weeks ago the writer had occasion to inject 
the hernial rings of a large and well formed healthy man. 
The operation was followed by severe and prolonged shock. 
In about ten days after this, it was found necessary to 
repeat the injection, and the patient asked for chloroform, 
stating that the operation was too painful. This was not 
advisable on account of the risk of vomiting, which would 
have defeated the design of the operation. Cocaine was 
injected by Prof. Haggard. The injection was made 
equally as thorough as the former one. but was not fol- 
lowed by any severe shock. This point, we believe, will 
not be controverted by any, as this is one of the principal 
reasons why all surgeons use anaesthetics, and forms a 
basis for the use of anaesthetics in ^hock of injury. Agents 
that will prevent shock while an injury is being inflicted, 
ought to be capable of relieving it. at least to some extent, 
after it is inflicted. But does pain of itself ever produce 
debility? And can it alone he the cause of death? I 
answer this in the affirmative, and ask the critic what 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS 501 

comparison there is between the extent of lesion in the 
case of neuralgia and a cerebral hemorrhage; or between 
the pain of angina pectoris and a penetrating gunshot 
injury of the lung, when the lesion of tissue is taken into 
account ? One of the severest kinds of shock is that pro- 
duced by gunshot injury of the knee, or a crushing of the 
bones and joints in railroad accidents. It is very difficult 
and sometimes impossible to establish reaction. The 
shock is far worse than that from any other injury, not- 
withstanding the lesion of tissue may be far greater. Is 
•it not possible that pain is the greatest source of shock in 
these cases'? If so, and chloroform, not being poison, is 
administered, is it not possible that the patient can rally 
sooner when not suffering such severe pain, especially if 
Physio-Medical remedies are given ? 

Two forms of shock should be recognized. One in which 
the damage is instantaneous, but the effect ceases as sud- 
denly, leaving nothing but the vascular disturbance and 
loss of equilibrium of nervous action. In these cases 
prompt Physio-Medical treatment will soon restore them 
to a normal state. The second class of cases are such as 
produce all the above changes in the tissues, and in addi- 
tion the injured ne'ves keep up a constant influence on 
the nerve centres, and retard reaction To avoid this 
influence bee >mes at once the important thing to do. Can 
this be done without the use of some agent that will pre- 
vent these injured structures from transmitting their 
deleterious influence to the nerve centres'? It is plain to 
me that ordinary Physio-Medical remedies will not do this. 
They are all-powerful to restore circulation and nervous 
action, but they have no power to control common sensa- 
tion. The Physio-Medical materia medica is replete, as I 
can testify, with remedies to relieve all the ills of life; 
even common sensation may be restored to a normal stand- 
ard far enough to restore a normal action; but they will 
not entirely inhibit the nerves of common sensation when 
there is a cause like such injuries as these named above. 
To expect trhis of our common relaxants, stimulants and 
nervines is as unreasonable as to expect that the same 
agents can amputate a limb. 

All medical men recognize tins common law; viz., that 
remedies can modify functions, but cannot perform me- 
chanical acts, such as setting bones and dislocated joints; 
and so it is with the transmission of sensation to the 



502 SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

centres, while the cause of the irritation continues to 
make its impression on the nerve centres. In chloroform, 
it is believed there are properties that will do this without 
in the least impairing the integrity of the tissues, pro- 
vided its laws can be obeyed. I am aware of the delicate 
ground I occupy as a Physio-Medicalist. Only the desire 
to avail ourselves of every agent for the relief of human 
suffering that will accomplish that purpose without leav- 
ing deleterious conditions on the organism, prompts this 
suggestion. To the intelligent, thinking and unpreju- 
diced mind are these thoughts dedicated, with a hope that 
our cause (which is of the people), if not benefited, will at 
least receive no injury therefrom. 

Why the circulatory and respiratory centers are the 
last to be influenced in general ancesthesia. As I have 
stood by the side of patients who were being anaesthetized 
and have observed the phenomena, I have asked myself the 
question why is it that every part of the body except the 
the circulation and respiration is rendered as insensitive 
and motionless as if dead; and yet the heart and lungs per- 
form their part as regularly and harmoniously as if in a 
profound sleep? I have wondered if it is an extraordinary 
property which anaesthetics possess that accomplishes this 
or is it due to some peculiar structure of the nervous or 
vascular system'r 1 soon satisfied myself that it could not 
be due to the anaesthetics, and turned to anatomy- and 
physiology for the explanation. A general survey of the 
anatomy of the central nervous system and the distribution 
of the sympathetic ganglia and nerves together with the 
influence they exert, each upon the other, will furnish a 
key to this mysterious condition. 

The cerebrum may be regarded as a hollow sphere, having 
an internal and an external surface. The latter of these is 
all that portion that presents itself to the eye upon a sup" 
erficial examination. In order to increase the surface it is 
every where thrown into folds or convolutions which are 
covered in their entirety by gray matter. This matter is 
largely made of cells held together by a net work called neu- 
roglia which serves as a cement to fix these cells; greater 
firmness is also given to this structure by a rich net work 
of blood-vessels which break up into a capillary system 
that abundantly supplies the cells among which they ram- 
ify. This network receives its blood from the vessels in 
the pia mater. This membrane is very vascular and 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS GO.'J 

receives its supply of blood from the cerebral arteries, and 
are branches of the circle of Willis which lies in immedi- 
ate contact with the base of the brain, and is supplied 
with blood directly from the heart through the two. verte- 
bral arteries and the internal carotids. This arrangement 
is perhaps the most elaborate- provision for the supply of 
blood to an organ that is found in the human body. The 
internal surface, or hollow inside the brain communicates 
with the external surface by the foramen of Magendi. 
This expansion is called the general ventricular cavity, 
and is divided into five compartments like the rooms in a 
house. Beginning with the entrance is the fourth ventri- 
cle or first room. It N situated on the first floor. The 
third ventricle corresponds to a room on the second floor 
and is a narrow, irregularly constructed space situated 
between the corpora striata in front and the thalami optici 
behind. Situated above this cavity and communicating 
with it by the foramina of Munroe are the two lateral ven- 
tricles, each extending into a corresponding hemisphere. 
They are separated from each other like two rooms having 
a double wall between them. Between these two walls is 
a space known as the fifth ventricle. Ranney not inaptly 
compares the cavities to rooms in the attic of a two-story 
house. This cavity is supposed to be a continuation of 
tiie central canal in the spinal cord, only being contracted 
at some points and expanded at others. This arrangement 
affords a considerable surface over which the gray matter 
is extended. This surface is also convoluted, the two 
principal convolutions being the thalamus opticus and cor- 
pus striatum, one for each lateral hemisphere. The blood 
supply for this internal surface of the cerebrum is abun- 
dant in proportion to the extent of tissue supplied, and 
comes more directly from the large trunks at the base of 
the brain. They may be divided into six groups or sets; 
two sets are called medial, one anterior and one posterior. 
The anterior are given off from the anterior cerebrals and 
anterior communicating artery. They supply the anterior 
extremity of each caudate nucleus. The posterior medial 
groups are branches of the posterior cerebral arteries and 
arise from them near their origin from the basilar. These 
arteries enter the ventricular cavity through the pasterior 
perforated space. They supply the internal parts of the 
optici thalmi and ramify on the walls of the third ventri- 
cle. The antero-lateral group take their origin from the 



504 SUROICAL AN.E ST rl ETICS. 

middle cerebral near its origin. They enter the ventricle 
through the anterior perforate space, and supply • 'the 
whole of the caudate nucleus except its head. The len* 
tricular nucleus, internal capsule and part of the optic 

thalamus are also supplied by these branches. The posteri- 
or lateral arises from the posterior cerebral artery, and 
supplies the posterior part of the optici thalami. The pos- 
terior cerebral also give branches to the crus and corpora 
quadrigemina. It will thus be seen that the two surfaces 
of the cerebrum are well supplied with blood that is sent 
direct from. the heart. 

, The blood supply of the spinal cord is equally abundant. 
The arterial pressure, however, owing to the more indirect 
manner in which it receives its blood, is not quite as great 
as that of the brain. The blood) reaches the cord through 
t,he vertebrals, intercostals and lumbar arteries. From 
the first (the vertebrals) the anterior spinal artery takes 
its origin by two branches, one from each. From the sec- 
ond, viz., intercostals and lumbar arteries, the blood 
reaches the cord by a branch which enters the spinal canal 
through each intervertebral foramen and passes along 
the nerve root to the pia mater in which they ramify. 
From these sources the vessels of the cord receive their 
blood. 

These vessels have a peculiar and elaborate arrangement 
for reaching every part of- the cord. The anterior spinal 
artery. as before stated, arises by two branches, one from 
each vertebral which nnite near the junction of, the me- 
dulla and pons. It extends the entire length of the cord, 
and receives, as it passes down the cord, reinforcements 
from each artery that enters the canal through the inter- 
vertebral formina. These vessels join the anterior spinal 
nearly at right angles in the upper part of the. cord, but 
more obliquely as the lower termination is reached. The 
anterior spinal artery in its co'irse gives off from two hun- 
dred and fifty to three hundred brandies, which pass along 
the anterior median fissure to the gray commissure. Each 
of these branches divides into a right and left branch to 
supply the Jateral. half of the gray matter. These again, 
divide into an. anterior and posterior branch. Vertically 
each of the primary, brandies gives off, two branches, one 
to the branch above and one to the branch next below; so 
there is formed a second spinal artery within the cord — 
the anastamotic artery; from this artery a capillary net- 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 505 

work supplies the tubular gray matter. The arteries from 
the external surface penetrate the substance of the cord. 
They supply all the white substance and there is a branch 
that enters through the posterior external column to the 
posterior horn. This is the posterior cornual artery. Just 
on the inner side of the posterior root a small artery enters 
the cord and supplies the root and head of the posterior 
cornu. A number of small arteries enter with the anterior 
root. From the pi i mater innumerable branches called 
radicular branches penetrate and supply the white matter. 
A posterior medial artery extends along the posterior me- 
dian septum, supplying the columns of Gall on each side. 
Another artery situated in the septum between the col- 
umns of Gall and Burdoch supplies each of these columns 
as they lie in contact with each other. These two arteries 
like the anterior medial extends the whole length of the 
cord. Thus it may be seen that the cord is richly supplied 
with blood from the internal as well as the external sur- 
face. 

The blood supply of the medulla and pons is derived 
from the basilar, vertebral and anterior spinal arteries as 
these arteries lie in contact .with their anterior (under 
surface). They are divided into two sets, median and 
radicular. The former of these is a series of branches 
given off at right angles from the vertebrals, basilar and 
anterior spinal arteries. They penetrate the substance of 
the pons and medulla, passing in direct lines through the 
substance of the medulla to reach the nerve nuclei on the 
floor of the fourth ventricle, and supply these nerve nuclei 
with the greater portion of their. blood. The radicular 
arteries pass around and on the surface of the medulla to 
the roots of the nerves as they emerge from the substance 
of the cord. Here they divide into two branches and one 
goes to the nerve nuclei. The other follows the course of 
the nerve trunk. 

By a comparison of the anatomical structure of the cere- 
brum, spinal cord and medulla, it will be seen that the 
latter is very scantily supplied with blood as compared 
with the two former, as it only receives blood from the 
one source: and that this small supply has to penetrate 
the solid structure of the medulla or pass in a tortuous 
manner around half its circumference to reach the nuclei 
that preside over the two vital functions: viz., circulation 
and respiration. It has been shown that the brain has 



506 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS, 

two surfaces, and that the spinal cord is a cylinder with a 
canal extending in the centre its entire length; that they 
both receive blood from the internal as well as the external 
surfaces. As the spinal cord approaches the upper termi- 
nation of its course, the central canal is pushed backward 
by the addition of new matter added for the purpose of 
supplying new centres with nuclei. At the commence- 
ment of the medulla the posterior portion of the cord 
seems as if it had been split and its substance pushed lat- 
erally so that the central canal is exposed and expands 
into a lozenge-shaped surface— the floor of the fourth ven- 
tricle. 

Here nestled together are f( und the nuclei of the most 
important cranial nerves. In the centre of this little 
group will be seen the nuclei from which spring the pneu- 
mogastric nerves, the other centres clustering around 
them as if to protect them from external influences. Let 
us now trace the blood that reaches the nuclei of the 
pneumogastric nerves. The anterior spinal artery is 
formed by the union of two branches, one from each of the 
vertebral arteries. They leave the vertebral trunks at 
right angles, pass to the surface of the medulla, and then 
describe a gentle curve downward along the anterior medi- 
an surface. From this downward trunk the median arte- 
ries pass at right angles. This brings the anterior spinal 
artery parallel with the vertebrals, and the blood flows in 
opposite directions; viz., upward in the vertebrals and 
downward in the spinal artery. From this reversed cur- 
rent the blood in the anterior spinal enters the median 
artery at right angles to the former. The median arteries 
penetrate the entire thickness of the medulla — one-half 
inch. These arterial twigs break up into a capillary net- 
work, as they arrive at the floor of the fourth ventricle, 
and supply the nuclei. These are all typical end arteries; 
i. e., they do not communicate with other arteries. From 
this brief description of the circulation of the blood, in 
the various nerve centres, as compared with that of the 
bulb, it may be seen that neither the pressure nor the sup- 
ply is equal to that of those centres. So much for the 
structure of the cerebro-spinal axis; but this is not suffi- 
cient for our purpose. 

The sympathetic or ganglionic system is also an import- 
ant factor in the circulation of the blood and its structure 
must receive a passing notice.. Anatomically it is divided 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 507 

into ganglia and nerves. The principal ganglia form a 
complete circle consisting of two chains connected by the 
ganglion of Ribes situated on the anterior communicating 
artery. The lower extremities of these t^o chains are 
united by the ganglion impar, which is placed on the ante- 
rior surface of the coccyx. These ganglia are divided into 
pairs except the ganglion impar; this is single. The pairs 
are named from the region which they occupy. There are 
four cephalics all connected with the branches of the fifth 
nerve; three cervical situated in the cervical region: 
twelve in the dorsal; four in the lumbar; five in the sacral 
and one (single) in the coccygeal region. These are pri- 
mary branches and communicate with each other by a 
superior and inferior branch. They also communicate 
with the spinal cord by sending branches of communica- 
tion, one from each ganglion composed of gray matter 
and receiving one branch of white matter from each spinal 
nerve. Hence the ganglia are composed of gray and white 
matter (spinal and sympathetic). 

The primary branches of distribution in the cervical 
region are three in number; viz., superior, middle and 
inferior cardiac. They arise from the superior, middle 
and inferior cardiac ganglia. The branches in the tho- 
racic region are also three in number; great splanchnic, 
lesser splanchnic and renal splanchnic; all these penetrate 
the diaphragm. The first joins the solar plexus, the sec- 
ond the cceliac plexus and the third unites with the renal 
plexus. In the lumbar region the primary branches of 
distribution terminate in plexuses corresponding in name 
to the organ supplied by them; the same is true of those 
in the pelvic region. 

Another set of primary branches of distribution are sent 
to all the blood-vessels of the body and entwine themselves 
around the arteries in form of plexuses, from which the 
arterial coats are supplied. The secondary branches of 
distribution in the thoracic region take their origin from 
the cardiac plexus and are distributed to the heart. The 
secondary branches of distribution in the abdominal cav- 
ity take their origin from the epigastric or solar plexus 
and semiluna ganglia, and are distributed through the 
medium of other smaller plexuses to all the viscera of the 
abdominal cavity. There is, therefore, a complete inter- 
communication between the cerebro-spinal and the gangli- 
onic nervous system. Every organ, and every tissue of an 



508 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

organ, feels the influence of each alternately. Another 
branch (vaso-motor) takes its origin from the floor of the 
fourth ventricle, between the calamus scripterius and 
corpora quadrigemina. These vaso-motor fibres pass down 
in the substance of the spinal cord. A branch passes out 
of the spinal column with each anterior root of a spinal 
nerve, and thence passes to all parts of the body that pos- 
sess arteries and capillaries. They maintain the tone of 
the vascular system, and are also called vaso-constrictors. 
The tenth nerves (pneumogastric) take their origin from 
two nuclei in the lower half of the floor of the fourth ven- 
tricle. They are intimately associated in their origin with 
the spinal accessory nerves, from which they derive their 
motor fibres. They also send to and receive fibres from 
the glosso-pharyngeals and hypoglossals, and have many 
connections with different branches of the sympathetic. 
In their range of influence they are the widest; and in 
their extent of anatomical connections they are the most 
vital as well as the most important nerves in the human 
body. Through their connections with the other nerves 
named above, they influence deglutition, phonation, respi- 
ration, circulation and digestion. They are also the inhib- 
itory nerves of the heart. 

This double strictural arrangement of the nervous sys- 
tem has its analogue in the muscular system. Every mus- 
cle of the body has its antagonistic muscle; thus we have 
them classed into flexors and extensors, abductors and 
adductors, rotators and supinators, expirators and respi- 
rators, and constrictors and dilators. These two last sets 
are those whose actions are concerned in respiration and 
are principally connected in anaesthesia. 

When chloroform vapor is inhaled, as has been hereto- 
fore described, it is brought into direct contact with the 
lungs and heart, and were it not for a peculiar arrange- 
ment of the muscles and nerves of these structures, those 
organs would cease to act, and death would supervene 
before the anaesthetic could reach any other of the nerve 
centres; because it has been found by experimental phys- 
iologists that the heart action will cease when a current 
of chloroform vapor is directed upon it. The same is true 
of the lungs— respiration ceases. The lungs are in one 
sense passive. Inspiration and expiration are carried on 
by muscles that move the chest, alternately enlarging and 
diminishing the cavity, in this way producing a tendency 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 509 

to create a vacuum. The air rushes in and out and pre- 
vents this tendency to a vacuum. The nerves controlling 
this action have their centres in the floor of the fourth 
ventricle and near the origin of the pneumogastric nerves. 
Through the influence of this respiratory centre the lungs 
are kept moving, although they themselves may be bathed 
in the vapor of the anaesthetic. The same is true of the 
heart, which, although it is automatic to a limited degree, 
is under control of the cardiac centres in the medulla. 
The heart and lungs are kept moving to a limited degree 
by these centres. 

But by a law of limitation this influence cannot continue 
beyond a certain degree. This is why anaesthetics should 
not be pushed too rapidly at the commencement as hereto- 
fore stated. This danger-point being passed, the vapcr is 
carried by the blood to every part of the body in propor- 
tion to the amount of blood circulating in each organ or 
tissue. The cerebrum being better supplied with blood 
feels the influence first, and intellection, sensation and 
voluntary motion are first obliterated. Operations are 
sometimes made during this stage. The patient struggles 
and moans as it suffering the severest pain, and yet after 
recovery he has no recollection of anything that passed. 
This is inconvenient for the surgeon, as the struggling 
interferes with the work and might cause the operator to 
make an unfortunate stroke of his knife. It is also dan- 
gerous to the patient. The struggling might cause an 
arrest of the heart action. 

The second stage comes when the cerebellum, crura cere- 
bri, pons varolii and spinal cord are anaesthetized. All 
motion and sensation through reflex action cease. (See 
previous pages.) 

The third stage is characterized by snoring or stertorous 
breathing, with congestion of the capillaries or the oppo- 
posite— anaemia, or bloodlessness. In some cases, instead 
of the snore, the respiration becomes deep and labored. 
In either case the patient is asphyxiated and in a danger- 
ous condition. This is an indication that the medulla is 
being influenced. 

This condition is produced by an overdose of the anaes- 
t he tic, which should be discontinued at once, and the 
patient allowed to breathe fresh air. Patients should 
never be brought to this condition, and a skillful anaesthet- 
ist will not allow a patient to pass beyond the second stage. 



•UO SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

The vaso-motor (constrictor) nerves control all the organs 
of the body except those immediately connected with the 
heart and lungs— respiratory and cardiac constrictors. As 
above stated, the nerves arise from the floor of the fourth 
ventricle and the point extending above this to the corpora 
quadrigemina, This is the controlling centre. All the 
other ganglia connected with this centre are dependent 
centres. 

In anaesthesia by ether the constrictor muscles, which 
are controlled by the dependent centres, are relaxed and 
complete insensibility is produced and can be main- 
tained indefinitely without the independent centre being 
reached. The effect of this dilatation of the capillaries 
and other blood-vessels is to allow the blood to accumulate 
in the lungs and brain, and the patient may die from con- 
gestion (coma) of the brain or asphyxia, when too much 
ether is inhaled in proportion to the air. This explana- 
tion also shows why persons with pulmonary disease or 
hyperaemia of the brain should not use ether vapor as an 
anaesthetic. 

Chloroform relaxes the vaso-dilators and allows the vaso- 
constrictors to narrow the capillaries and other vessels, 
and force the blood upon the heart so rapidly that the 
right auricle is distended and the action of the organ is 
arrested in diastole. This constricting force also drives 
the blood from the brain and lungs, and patients may die 
because of the deficient supply of blood, which fails to 
keep up vital action. 

Now for the final answer to the question— Why is the 
medulla the last centre to be influenced ? When patients 
die as the result of any of the conditions above pointed 
out, they do so by the anaesthetic inhibiting the vital cen- 
tres; and this is done either by anaemia in chloroform, 
anaesthesia or hyperaemia or congestion when ether is 
used. The medulla oblongata and pons varolii are exempt 
from these disturbances by reason of the peculiar arrange- 
ment of the blood supply, as it has been shown that there 
is a far greater amount of blood sent to the other centres 
than to this vital spot. So great is this difference in the 
supply, that every other part of the body can receive 
enough to render it entirely insensible without the me- 
dulla feeling its influence. Therefore the blood must be 
surcharged with the anaesthetic in an unwarranted man- 
ner before this centre is reached and life is cut off. 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 511 

A Thorough Qualification Needed.— It is feared that 
there is not sufficient importance attached to the acquire, 
merit of a complete knowledge of the properties of anaes- 
thetics, also to the danger to life if not properly used. It 
is an indisputable fact that the death rate is very low. 
One death in five thousand from the use of chloroform, 
and possibly one in twenty-five thousand from the use of 
ether does not seem alarming, and yet it is not known in 
what given case it will prove fatal. In the Net ley Hospi- 
tal there were twenty-five thousand administrations, and 
twelve deaths in ten years' use of it; while in the next ten 
there were over three hundred deaths. It has been shown 
that death usually occurs suddenly and without warning. 
In three instances within the past fifteen years there have 
been four such deaths in this state, three of which were 
in this city. 

It must be a terrible feeling for an operator to find that 
while he is busily engaged with his work his patient has 
passed beyond the point of needing his services, and what 
must be the chagrin of the anaesthetist to know that the 
life of his patient has been extinguished, perhaps by his 
negligence. It is true that occasionally a patient may die 
notwithstanding every precaution has been taken to guard 
against it. It is the duty of every person who assumes 
this great responsibility to know that nothing has been 
left undone to insure safety. 

I fear that there is not sufficient attention given to this 
subject while at college. Some students get the impres- 
sion that they may never be called upon to administer 
these agents: while others, seeing so many cases anaesthe- 
tized and that they all come out, will conclude that not 
very much knowledge is required beyond what they term 
the use of good judgment. This is a very serious mistake. 
a knowledge of which may come to the student when he 
has to regret that a life is lpst and that he is responsible. 
With this conviction on his mind the conscientious stu- 
dent will avail himself of every opportunity to acquire a 
complete knowledge of this subject, by attendance at 
every clinic at the hospitals as well as at the college, and 
close attention to didactic lectures. I have often been 
astonished at the indifference manifested by students to 
this subject while patients were being anaesthetized. The 
attentive student will watch with interest every move- 
ment of the anaesthetist as well as the patient, and observe 



512 SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

carefully all the phenomena, and from his text-books learn 
the import of each. 

Thus armed with all the knowledge it is possible to 
acquire, every graduate ought to be qualified to adminis- 
ter these agents. Assuming that he has done all this, and 
has mastered all the facts in relation to the more common 
accidents to which patients are exposed, we will suppose 
that he is now the actor, not the spectator as before. The 
operation is to'be one of <the most serious character. The 
surgeon has informed the patient that Dr. B. will give the 
anaesthetic. It will be, therefore, proper for him to call 
on the patient, and in a short interview endeavor to im- 
press upon his mind that an anaesthetic is entirely safe; 
that it produces a quiet sleep from which he will awake 
without having felt the pain of the operation. Patients 
who can be thus impressed, will quietly take the anaes- 
thetic and pass under its influence without a struggle, 
unless there exists some physical impediment. Having 
thus by your quiet and dignified manner established their 
confidence, and allayed* their fears as to results, you then 
decide upon the anaesthetic. Will ether, or chloroform be 
most appropriate ? 

The answer to this will be found in the condition of the 
patient. If thin and anaemic, ether will be the proper 
agent. If plethoiic, or if there are any of the conditions 
present heretofore named that would contra-indicate the 
use of ether, chloroform should be used. It is necessary, 
howeverj to have both on hand, and only the freshest and 
that which has been prepared by the best manufacturing 
pharmacists should be used. It should be procured direct 
from the retail druggist who has kept it in proper contain- 
ers, and away from heat and light. It is not safe to use 
ether or chloroform that has been opened and exposed to 
light and air in your office. The next thing to do is to 
select and procure instruments and appliances with which 
to treat the accidents that may arise. This should be 
done several days before the time for the operation to be 
made. While alone in your.office write out an inventory 
of what is needed; be sure that you have included all that 
will be needed to meet any accidents that may oc^ur in 
any case. It is proper to assume that your patient will be 
exposed to any accident that ever has happened to any 
other patient. * . . , 

Having reviewed the list and having referred to all the 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS 513 

text- books or notes in your possession, you should at once 
procure the appliances. This should not be deferred till 
the time of the operation: they should be selected and 
placed in a proper container at least one day before they 
will be needed. This should be locked and put in a secure 
place for use. I once knew an anaesthetist to make all the 
preparations, leaving the satchel containing the instru- 
ments in an accessible place and unlocked, (in the morn- 
ing of the operation it was hurriedly sent to the house 
where it was needed. When the patient was on the table 
it was found that some one had removed the inhaler. An 
apparatus was improvised, but the absence of the inhaler 
caused delay and some disappointment on the part of the 
patient. 

The following is a list of instruments and medicines 
that should always be provided: (a) Inhaler, (b) vulselum 
forceps, (c) hypodermic syringe, (d) common hard rubber 
syringe, (e) bivalve rectal speculum, (f) electric battery. 
Medicines— (a) tr. myrrha comp., (b) aqua ammonia, (c) tr. 
serpentaria. tr. zingiber, tr. lavender comp., aa. dr. ii; syr. 
simp., q. s. oz. iii. Sig. One teaspoonful from ten to 
twenty minutes, (d) Vaseline and sponges. Napkins and 
paper will usually be found at the house should it become 
necessary to improvise an inhaler. There should be at 
least eight ounces of chloroform and one pint of sulphuric- 
ether. This is best contained in tin cans, each holding 
four ounces, which is the best way that manufacturers 
usually put it up; and the seal should not be broken until 
needed. Where it is possible, some responsible person 
should be detailed to look after the pulse, and assist the 
anaesthetist in any way that might seem to him necessary, 
should any accidents occur. It should be the duty of the 
surgeon to see that the room is of proper size, and well 
ventilated. By reference to the foregoing statement of 
facts, and the conclusions drawn therefrom, this may be 
readily determined. 

If the patient is greatly reduced in flesh and quite anae- 
mic, with a feeble heart action, ether will be more appro- 
priate than chloroform. If it can be ascertained by the 
temperature of the head, or by the condition of the arteri- 
al or venous circulation, or otherwise, that there is an 
anaemic condition of the brain, ether will be appropriate, 
since it has the property of stimulating the arterial sys- 
tem, and will restore a more natural circulation of blood 



514 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

to the head than existed before. Of course it will be un- 
derstood that any objections to the use of ether as pointed 
out in the preceding pages will be a barrier to it as the 
chief anaesthetic. If there is a doubt as to which is the 
most appropriate, ether may be given first, and if it pro- 
duces too much excitement, chloroform may be substituted 
until the excitement is quieted. If chloroform is used 
first, and the pulse becomes too frequent or irregular, or 
respiration shallow or spasmodic, or the face becomes pale 
or the lips blue, ether is to be used until the circulation is 
re-established. Having in this way settled upon a definite 
plan, the anaesthetist will be bet'er prepared for the dis- 
charge of his duties. If there is great fear entertained by 
the patient, either of the anaesthetic or the success of the 
operation, the surgeon should in all proper ways endeavor 
to establish confidence in the mind of the patient in the 
anaesthetist, by assuring him of the successful use of the 
agent in the hands of skillful men. All fears either of 
this or of the final success of the operation should be dis- 
pelled, and the patient should be en rapport both with the 
surgeon and anaesthetist. Should such fears exist in the 
mind of the patient/the surgeon and anaesthetist should 
visit the patient separately, as often as may be deemed 
advisable, to see that all fears are allayed, and all prepara- 
tions are made for the safety and comfort of the patient 
and the success of the operation. 

To this end the surgeon should see to all the minor de- 
tails, such as directing the patient to be bathed the day 
previous, that the bowels should be cleared out, and that 
the patient should not have any food in the stomach when 
the time arrives for the anaesthetic to be given. Loaded 
bowels, a full stomach, or an inactive or foul skin militate 
very much against the successful use of an anaesthetic, 
as well as the operation. The skin is a respiratory organ, 
next in importance to the lungs, and should be carefully 
attended to. The arrangement and size of the room, and 
method of ventilation, should be carefully looked after by 
the surgeon, for the safety of the patient from the acci- 
dents attending the anaesthetic state, as well as for the 
convenience of himself. Assuming now that all the pre- 
liminaries have been arranged, it will be necessary for the 
surgeon to make a visit on the day previous to the opera- 
tion, to see that all things are ready for the duties of the 
following morning, and to him may be assigned the 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS 515 

arrangements for the anaesthetic. The patient should 
receive all the encouragement possible to allay fears and 
establish confidence in the success of the operation. 

The question of giving medicine to prepare the system 
for the shock that may result from the combined effect of 
the operation, loss of blood and the anaesthetic is one 
fraught with interest. It is the habit of some surgeons to 
give something on the previous evening, to procure sleep: 
but it is now too late to accomplish much good in this way: 
nothing can now be done except to continue such treat- 
ment as has been prescribed during the previous time the 
surgeon has had charge of the case. This treatment 
should have consisted in such remedies as are calculated 
to restore or maintain as nearly a natural state as possible. 
If the case is the result of an accident received the previ- 
ous day. then the same rule applies as above: restore the 
circulation, maintain the tone of the nervous system and 
thus promote quiet, and induce sleep if possible. It is the 
habit of some surgeons to give a nervine or stimulant a 
short time before commencing the operation. This can 
possess no advantages, as whatever effect they produce 
must be overcome by the anavsthetic, and they promote a 
Mow of saliva that is quite troublesome. 

The question of clearing out the stomach and bowels 
previous to the operation is a matter of importance. No 
patient should ever be anaesthetized when there are accu- 
mulations in the alimentary canal— but the accomplish- 
ment of this demands some thought. It is the manner of 
some surgeons to give a cathartic on the previous evening. 
This is bad practice. If the patient is strong and robust, 
a cathartic will be proper; but should be given the even- 
ing of the second day before the operation, and then only 
liquid foods should be taken on the day preceding the ope- 
ration. On the previous evening a half gallon of water in 
whfcjh an ounce of salt has been dissolved, should be in- 
jected into the bowels if the patient can retain it. If the 
patient is strong and corpulent, this may be repeated in 
the morning; but if he is feeble, he should not be taxed 
with anything that will produce exhaustion. If the pa- 
tient is weak and prostrated, the bath on the previous 
evening should be made of water that has been boiled, 
into which salt should be put, the proportion of one ounce 
to each half gallon of water used; and the enema should 
be prepared by making an infusion of zingiber, one ounce 



516 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 



to two quarts of water, to which is added one pint of milk, 
and this given slowly, as long as the patient can retain it. 
This will usually clear out the bowels and strengthen the 
patient, who, after the salt bath and enema, will- procure 
refreshing sleep. All the above preliminaries being at- 
tended to, the patient should be allowed to remain quietly 
in bed on the morning of the operation, having only a cup 
of coffee, tea or chocolate: or, if it is preferable, a cup of 
hot milk with toast, crackers or bread, with only a small 
amount of butter or fruit jelly; in short, any of the above 
articles, or anything else in the same line. Whatever is 
taken should be served at least four hours before the time 
to make the operation. 

In order that the patient's mind shall be free from fore- 
bodings, and not harrassed with waiting beyond the time 
set to begin the operation, the surgeon should arrive early, 
in order to have all preparations completed at fifteen min. 
utes before the time set to commence the work; at which 
time all the assistants should be present, and the anaesthe- 
tization should begin on the minute. The practice of 
fixing the time for an operation, say at ten o'clock, and 
having the surgeon arrive at about that time and then 
devote nearly one hour to the preparations, is very repre- 
hensible. The patient becomes worried by the mind 
dwelling on the anticipated pain and suffering^ he will 
grow restless and nervous, and when at last things are 
ready, they go into the operation nervous and trembling. 
Such a state is exceedingly unfavorable. 

Another point that should be carefully observed: that is 
not to allow a patient io see or hear the preparation for 
the operation When it is possible he should be placed in 
a room adjoining the operating room, the door between 
which should be closed, and the work of preparation should 
be carried forward noiselessly to completion. When the 
moment arrives for the anaesthetic to be administered, the 
nurse, who has been with the patient all the time, should 
make the announcement that the time has arrived, and 
introduce the surgeon and anaesthetist, who, after a few 
minutes' conversation, should propose that the anaesthetic 
be given while the patient is yet in bed. In a few cases 
the patient, if quite strong and fearless, may be permitted 
to walk in and take his position on the table; but these 
are very exceptional ones, and it will sometimes happen 
that the sight of the table and evidences of preparation 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS 517 

will excite his fears and he will become very weak and 
nervous. As a rale he should not be permitted to see the 
assistants: only after unconsciousness has been produced 
should they enter the room. 

To return again to the patient who is being anaesthetiz- 
ed in bed, after unconsciousness has been produced, he 
should be removed to the operating table. The above 
method is probably the best for adults: but if a child, and 
it is able to be out of bed, it should be placed in the arms 
of the mother, or some other person in whom it has confi- 
dence. The anaesthetic may then be placed on a handker- 
chief and playfully flitted before the face, or a game of hide 
and seek may be indulged in, in which the child is to be 
hidden behind the handkerchief, or napkin that is saturat- 
ed with the chloroform, which soon acts as a stimulant. 
The little one will soon become dazed and reckless, when 
t he anaesthetic may be given in sufficient quantities to 
produce insensibility. It is exceedingly dangerous to un- 
dertake to force a child to inhale ether: and in any case for 
an anaesthetic to act kindly and safely, the patient's con- 
sent must be obtained. 

For the purpose of getting all the conditions before the 
mind of the reader, we will suppose that the patient is a 
fairly healthy man, in good flesh but not corpulent, and has 
no conditions that contra-indicates the use of ether, and 
that agent is to be used The room is of proper size, prop- 
erly warmed and ventilated. 

The patient's position on the table will demand some at- 
tention. As a rule the patient may be placed on the back, 
if this position is chosen, the head should rest on a pillow 
that is just large enough to fill the concavity which is 
formed by the curves of the upper dorsal and all the cervi- 
cal verterbra, at the end of this curve the shoulders project 
backward, at the other end the head extends so far back 
that there is quite a sharp curve. When the p itient is on 
the back and tliepillow is placed too far forward, under the 
shoulders, the head falls back and respiration is impeded 
by the forcible extention of the muscles on the anterior as- 
pect of the neck, which binds the larnyx and trachea down 
to the vertebral column. If the head is bent too far for- 
ward, this also interferes with respiration. The most nat- 
ural position of the head in relation to the body, is that 
which it assumes. when the body is erect. The mouth 
should be explored and if artificial teeth are found they 



.is 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 



should be removed, as well as any other foreign material 
that may be present. The clothing about the neck, and 
upper part of the chest should be removed, and these parts 
should be freed from anything that hinders free respira- 
tion. A light napkin may be spread over the chest, so 
that the respiratory movements may be seen, and any fail- 
ure or irregularity can be detected at once. 

The lips and skin about the nose should be anointed 
with some soft oil to prevent excoriation, should any of 
the liquid chance to fall on the parts. It is also advisable 
to pass some of the oil as far up the nasal passages as pos- 
sible; this will prevent irritation of the mucous mem- 
brane by the liquid that may fall about the nose and be 
carried back on the nasal passages. Spraying the nose 
with some one of the oleaginous preparations which are 
used by rhinol04ists to protect the mucous surfaces from 
the action of the atmosphere, will also be of service if 
ether is being used, the vapor of which is quite irritating 
to the air passages. It has been recently recommended, 
probably for the same purpose, to apply cocaine to the 
mucous surfaces, as far as it can be carried back, to anaes- 
thetize the nerves. It is said that the death rate is mate- 
rially lessened when this is done. It is explained that 
death often occurs by a paralysis of the heart through 
reflex action when the nerves supplying the nasal passages 
are powerfully and suddenly impressed by the local action 
on them in the early stages of the anaesthetic. It would 
seem, however, that the paralyzing influence of the cocaine 
would be as deleterious as the influence of the anaesthet- 
ic. Shielding those structures from the action of the 
agent by covering them over with an impermeable coat of 
some soft oil would meet the conditions better than the 
cocaine. 



The question of giving some form of stimulant just 
before commencing the inhalation has been practiced to 
some extent. Brandy, whiskey or morphine is recom- 
mended by the >o-called tegular surgeons. Tr. myrrha 
comp. and tr. lobelia comp. have been favorites with 
Physio-Medical ists. The remedies used by some of the 
regulars are not recommended by the best writers: in fact 
the morphine has been found injurious, as it prolongs the 
recovery from the anaesthetic. Physio-Medicalists have 
abandoned the use of stimulants because their use caused 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS 51V) 

;i tree flow of saliva, which is very annoying at the time 
when the patient cannot dispose of it. 

We will suppose now that all things are ready, and that 
the instruments and medicines are all on a stand near the 
patient's head. The hard rubber syringe is filled with the 
tr. lobelia comp. diluted one-half; the hypodermic syringe 
tilled with the tr. myrrha comp. The physician who has 
charge of the pulse will be instructed to use them if their 
use is indicated by the condition of the patient. It is his 
duty, also, to carefully note the state of the pulse, to listen 
to the sounds of the heart, and to compare the respira- 
tions with the normal standard. These observations 
enable the physician to judge, at least relatively, of the 
influence which the prospective operation is exerting on 
the mind of the patient, and afford an opportunity to give 
encouragement by a statement Uiat all is well. All things 
now being ready, one or two drams of ether are placed in 
the inhaler. Before the instrument is applied to the face 
the patient should be instructed to take four or five full 
inspirations, being careful to force all the air out of the 
lungs after each inspiration, so that the residual air shall 
be as pure as possible. Some anaesthetists instruct pa- 
tients to take full and even forcible inspirations, at the 
commencement. This really is a dangerous practice; the 
patient can in some instances take enough ether or chloro- 
form in this way to produce instant death. The ether 
should be given gradually for the first minute or two, in 
order to allow the mucous surfaces to be slightly influ- 
enced by its anaesthetic properties; then the apparatus 
should be brought down closely to the face so as to exclude 
nearly all the air, and continued in position until the 
patient is completely under its influence. 

Some patients pass under the influence quietly in from 
five to ten minutes. If there is no fe&r or anxiety, and 
the mind is fully under subjection to the will power, as is 
the case with most educated persons, there will be no men- 
tal perturbations, no positive change in the circulation or 
respiration; the breathing will be shallow and regular, 
the pulse will be slightly above the normal standard, and 
the skin will be slightly redder than natural, thus giving 
the countenance a light flush if ether is given; if chloro- 
form is used the pulse will be a little below the natural 
state and the countenance will be paler than the usual 
color. The eyes are turned up and the pupils are con- 



520 SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 

tracted, the muscular system is entirely relaxed, the body 
is as motionless as if dead. There is total insensibility to 
all external objects. Compare this with the sleeping babe 
and the analogy is so complete that an adept could scarcely 
point out the difference, which only consists in one thing, 
and that is the power of transmitting impressions from 
the nerve peripheries to the central ganglia of the brain, 
which is instantly aroused to all its wonted activities. 
Sleep is conditioned upon the unchangeableness of the 
surroundings. So long as no sounds beyond those existing 
when sleep comes on, reach the ear, no light penetrates 
the eye. or no other impressions are made upon the exter- 
nal surface or within the tissues of the body, sleep contin- 
ues; at least until every cell in the nerve centres has 
undergone complete repair. As soon, however, as this 
work is completed, the seeming senseless body becomes a 
moving, sentient being. 

In sleep there are but four signs of life: viz., the respi- 
ration, the circulation, the temperature, and the capabili- 
ty of being aroused at any time by impressions being 
conveyed to the central nerve ganglia from the external 
surface, or changes made in the tissues of the body, and 
the impressions being conveyed to the sensorium. In 
anaesthesia the respiration and circulation are about the 
same as in sleep, but the temperature falls a little more 
rapidly and there is total inability to arouse the sensibili- 
ties. No sounds arouse the auditory nerve, no light stim- 
ulates the eye, the body can be moved in any way, can be 
cut and mutilated at the will of the surgeon and there is 
not a single response. A skillful anaesthetist can maintain 
the above named state of anaesthesia for hours and the 
patient then awake as from a sleep, provided there has 
been no operation or mutilation of the body to produce 
shock. If, however, the ether is pushed farther, the respi- 
rations become more frequent and labored, the countenance 
is disturbed, the color of the face assumes a darker hue, 
the pulse grows weaker, and when stertorous breathing 
begins the patient is on the verge of death. If the ether- 
is not at once removed from the face death may take place 
instantly. 

With those who have complete control over their 
bodies, at least as far as the will is concerned, and in 
the case of children and old people and all those who are 
very much reduced, there will be but little resistance 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 521 

offered at any time; but it will often happen that more or 
less resistance will be made in the stage of consciousness, 
as well as in the stage of semi-unconsciousness. The ether 
will often cause a slight cough and sensation of smother- 
iug and the patient will ask to have the inhaler removed, 
or will attempt to push it away. There will be a free flow 
of saliva that will give rise to great annoyance, and not 
unfrequently the tenacious mucous will gather about the 
palate, inula and epiglottis and cause vomiting. If the 
patient is strong and muscular and not intelligent, or if 
there has been the slightest fear or unwillingness to take 
the ether, he will probably offer more or less resistance in 
the stage of semi-unconsciousness. It is at this stage that 
he will become almost ungovernable. He will imagine 
that some one is trying to do him harm, and will either 
attempt to use force and escape, or will resist every 
attempt to hold the inhaler over his face. His destruc- 
tiveness may be aroused and he will attempt summary 
punishment on his tormentors. This is a critical point in 
the process of anaesthesia. If the attempt is made to con- 
trol him by force, the violent struggling may cause the 
rupture of a vessel in the brain, and sudden death may 
follow. If he is confined and the ether forced upon him, it 
will be necessary to exclude the air entirely and this will 
cause deatli by asphyxia. 

Such persons are not proper subjects for the use of ether: 
but if the mistake is made, the ether should be discontin- 
ued and chloroform used. It will happen sometimes that 
tetanic spasm may come on: the jaws may be set. respira- 
tion may cease in consequence of rigidity of the respiratory 
mi^cles, an arm or a leg may be suddenly thrust out and 
stand stiff and immovable. This condition may occur 
with the use of either chloroform or ether, and is a very 
dangerous condition. The a ruest net ie should be removed 
from the face at once, the jaws should be pried open and 
stimulation given, either by emptying the hard rubber 
rectal syringe or the hypodermic syringe. The applica- 
tion of heat to the epigastrium, or the dashing of hot 
water on the chest may be resorted to. The tongue should 
be seized and drawn out of the mouth, and a current of 
cool air directed upon the face. Such means will generally 
restore the vital functions: but should all fail, electricity 
may be used perseveringly and attempts at artificial respi- 



522 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

ration should be made. This will sometimes break the 
force of the spasm. 

It will occasionally happen that there will be an oppo- 
site state; respiration will cease, the heart will beat feebly 
or irregularly, the lower jaw will fall, the pupils will dilate, 
the limbs lose their tone, and the body will settle down on 
the table as if dead. Prompt action and well directed 
effort will be necessary; nothing less than the persevering 
effort will suffice. The head should be placed lower than 
the body, stimulants by hypodermic as well as by the rec- 
tum, and artificial respiration should be resorted to. The 
tongue should be drawn well forward, so that the respira- 
tory effort should not be hindered by any mechanical 
obstruction in the throat. When [the patient is resusci- 
tated and consciousness restored, the anaesthetic may be 
continuously resumed. 

Those who say that chloroform or ether vapor is poison- 
ous and destructive to life, say that its use should not be 
prolonged unnecessarily. This should be the rule and it is 
eminently proper. Ts T o medical or mechanical measure 
should be continued after the necessity for its use has 
passed away. Believing as we do that the above named 
anaesthetics are not poisonous, we would recommend that 
the operation be not prolonged beyond that which is nec- 
essary. Surgeons who use anaesthetics do it for a purpose; 
and that purpose is usually to render the body insensible 
while they mutilate it in some way quite sufficient to 
produce shock, and then attribute all the ill effects to the 
agent used, and do not for a moment take into account the 
depressing effect of the operation and loss of blood. When 
the operation is Hearing completion the anaesthetic should 
be discontinued; but a careful watch should be kept over 
the patient. As soon as he is able to swallow, some light 
stimulant should be given. Hot water is preferable. 
Some patients are restless, and half delirious, as they are 
rallying from the unconsciousness, and complain loudly of 
the pain; while others, especially children, may fall into a 
sound sleep which often lasts for hours. If the sleep is 
natural, they should not be awakened; but it is imperative 
that they should be known to be awake before allowing 
them to sleep; they should, by their answers to questions, 
give evidence of consciousness and life^ After this the 
sleep may not be disturbed for several hours. 
Ancestliesia By the Use of Chloroform .—The general 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS. 523 

effect of chloroform is about the same as that of ether, bur 

i! is a much more potent agent. The laws governing its 
use are more rigid and therefore require closer observation 
and more positive obedience. It is more pleasant to inhale. 
less irritating to the air passages and does not cause that 
sense of suffocation that attends the use of ether. From 
'M to 4 p. c. only can be inhaled without arresting action. 
There is not that excitement and perturbation of the 
mind that results from the inhalation of ether: but they 
are more easily disturbed by sounds that reach the ear. 
more timid and easily frightened when semi. unconscious. 
Therefore there should be no loud talking, laughing or 
whispering When it is necessary to speak, the tones 
should be subdued but distinct enough for the patient to 
hear, and should b (i confined to the actual necessities of 
The case. No remarks should be indulged in that are for- 
eign to the work in hand. The accidents to which they 
are exposed are the same as those attending ether; but 
they come more suddenly and with less warning, and are 
more fatal in consequences. Therefore the ana-sthetist 
should be alive to the emergencies and fully prepared to 
meet them instantly. 

The operating table should be made so that the head 
can be lowered at a second's warning, as anaemia of the 
brain is the accident to which patients are most exposed. 
The closest watch should be kept on the respiration, color 
of the lips and character o! the pulse. If there is any 
sudden deviation from the normal condition, the anaes- 
thetic should be removed from the face, and the patient 
allowed a breath of fresh air. Should the patient snore, 
the chloroform should be discontinued at once. If this 
does not suffice, the hypodermic syringe should be used. 
Should this fail, the rectal syringe may be emptied into 
the rectum. If respiration ceases or fails in any way. the 
tongue should be drawn forward and respiration estab- 
lished by artificial means. Sometimes breathing may be 
established by closing the nose, opening the mouth and 
applying the mouth of some other person closely and blow- 
ing forcibly into the lungs, alternating this with compress- 
ing t tie chest. In this way warm air is forced in and out 
of the lungs, and is more effectual than any other means. 
When artificial respiration is resorted to. a few drops of 
aqua ammonia can be administered the same as the chlo- 
roform, and thus apply stimulation directly to the air 



524 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

passages! Care must be taken, however, not to allow too 
much of it to mix with the air, as too powerful stimula- 
tion might cause spasm of the air cells, or be followed by 
bronchitis. 

Every person present should be as familiar with the 
management of these eases as the anaesthetist or the ope- 
rator. They sho'ild not wait to be told what to do, hut 
ought to see what some one else is not doing, and do the 
thing that is proper to do. There is work for all. Thus, 
one lowers the end of the table, another pulls the tongue 
out, a third uses the hypodermic, the fourth the rectal 
syringe, and a fifth opens the windows and allows fresh 
air to enter the room. There should be no Hurry and no 
loud talking. Everything should be calmly and orderly 
executed. The patient should be handled gently, and the 
body as well protected as the circumstances will permit. 
Warm blankets should be wrapped around the limbs and 
feet, and bottles of hot water placed at the feet, knees, 
and along the spine whenever it is possible to do so with- 
out interfering with the manipulations for resuscitation. 

All this would >eem like a great amount of work to be 
done in a few minutes, and probably more than can be 
accomplished unless the ca-e is protracted. Occasionally 
a patient will give signs of life and again collapse, and 
then revive again, and thus go on for a considerable time, 
alternating between life and deal h for some hours. This 
affords time for all met in ds of treatment to be instituted. 
Sometimes a patient will be semi-unconscious and sudden- 
ly cease to breathe, or the heart stop, and to all appear- 
ance^ he is dead. In such cases it is proper to make 
use of all or part of t he above methods, for life may not be 
extinct; it may only be inhibited and the heart may move 
imperceptibly. If i he air in the lungs be gently forced 
out and a fresh supply allowed to enter, and at the same 
time be ^ive 1 «ti nu m s by the rectum and hypodermic- 
ally, together with the application of warmth to the sur- 
face, the patient may be resuscitated after he is thought 
to be dead. Such cases are sometim. s abandoned too soon. 

SUKG1CAL USES OF LOCAL ANAESTHETICS. 
By E. M. Haggard, M. I)., 

Professor of General and Operative Surgery in the Ph} sio-M edical C 
of Indiana, Indianapolis. 

The advantages of a method of procedure which will 
render only the 'immediate locality of an operation insen- 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 52o 

sible, and thus enable the surgeon to dispense with the 
dangers and inconveniences>of general anaesthesia, are self- 
evident. Operations so slight as to scarcely justify the 
employment of ether or chloroform, with the needful 
precautions, are frequent, and many of them exquisitely 
painful; and the risk to life is lessened by the use of an 
effective local agent, which, though more inconvenient, is 
to be preferred. Patients do not have the same dread of a 
local anaesthetic as they do for ether and chloroform. 

Ice and Salt are local anaesthetics by virtue of the low 
temperature produced by their mixture. The tissues may 
be numbed and frozen by them when applied as follows: 
One-quarter pound of ice wrapped in a towel is crushed 
into tine bits: add one-eighth pound of salt. This mixture 
in a gauze bag is laid upon the part to be operated on, 
which gradually becomes pale, bloodless and insensible, 
and in about fifteen minutes will be ready for operation. 
This application should not be continued longer than nec- 
essary, else frostbite may be produced. 

These materials are obtainable when more convenient 
anaesthetics may not be had. They give only a local effect. 

Usually only the skin is anaesthetized and the effect is 
not lasting enough for a prolonged operation. The freez- 
ing and thawing of the tissues are somewhat painful and 
the vitality of the tissues is reduced according to the 
degree and time of exposure to the cold. Better methods 
of local anaesthesia have caused this to fall almost into 
disuse. 

The Ether Spray is another method by which anaesthe- 
sia is secured, through a low temperature produced by the 
rapid evaporation of sulphuric ether. The ether should 
be applied by means of an instrument capable of throwing 
a fine and continuous rather than a coarse spray. A hand 
atomizer may be used, but a spray attached to a compressed 
air tank is preferred. If the field of operation is situated 
on an extremity which can be ligated, anaesthesia may be 
hastened and prolonged by cutting off the circulation of 
the part by a rubber band or by Esmarch's method of artifi- 
cial ischaemia. Evaporation can be hastened by fanning. 
As in other cases where ether is employed all precaution 
should be taken to prevent the ether taking fire from a 
cautery, flame or other source of heat. 

When the field of operation is prepared, the spray should 
be permitted to play upon it. The skin becomes red. 



")2B SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

then white. When thoroughly blanched and, bloodless, 
insensibility is complete; then operate. 

This method is convenient. The materials are easily 
obtained. The action is rapid. There are none of the 
dangers coming from the use of a poisonous drug. Some 
surgeons prefer this method with Esmarch's constriction, 
to cocaine and all other methods of local anaesthesia. 

The vitality of the tissues may be reduced by too long 
an application. The freezing and thawing are somewhat 
painful. The anaesthesia is not lasting, so that the method 
is only suited to slight operations. 

Ethyl Chloride (C 2 H 5 C1) operates on the same principle 
as the ether spray, but is more convenient. It is a clear, 
colorless liquid with a slight ethereal odor. It boils at 
12.5 deg. C, 5-t deg. P., and to this low boiling point its 
efficacy is due. It will produce a temperature of 35 deg. 
C, 31 deg. F., below zero. At ordinary temperatures it 
would instantly evaporate unless confined. This tendency 
to vaporize produces a pressure in the glass tubes in which 
it is put up, so that when they are opened a fine stream is 
driven out with some force, and on touching the skin the 
fluid immediately evaporates and rapidly extracts the heat 
from the parts. The best and most convenient prepara- 
tion is that known as ethyl chloride Bengue. made in Paris 
and sold by all instrument dealers. It is put up in glass 
tubes holding thirty grammes, which is sufficient for four- 
teen or fifteen minor operations. The tubes are supplied 
with screw caps which fit over a capillary opening. This 
cap is removed and the nozzle of the tube held six to eight 
inches from the spot to be anaesthetized and on which the 
stream is directed. The parts become pink, red and then 
white and are covered with crystals of ice. The skin may 
be anaesthetized in half a minute and remains in that 
state for two minutes. As in other operations depending 
on vaporization, the process can be hastened by fanning or 
blowing and can be prolonged by any method which will 
retard or cut off the circulation of blood. 

The writer has used the agent with much satisfaction 
in opening abscesses and other slight operations. It may 
be used in opening felons, enucleating small tumors, ex- 
tracting foreign bodies, removal of ingrowing nails and in 
circumcision. Those who control the sale of the above 
mentioned preparation in America make the following 
statements concerning its use in dentistry: 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 527 

"In dental surgery ethyl chloride Bengue has been used 
most successfully in all parts of Europe as an anaesthetic 
in the extraction of teeth, for obtunding sensitive dentine, 
extirpation of pulps, and for diagnosing peripheral from 
central neuralgias, etc.. etc. 

"In extracting teeth, the jet should be directed to the 
dental nerves as near their origins as possible. In front of 
the ear for the upper teeth, behind the angle of the inferi- 
or maxilla for the lower ones. The spray should be applied 
tor about a minute, but the anaesthesia thus produced is 
not so complete as when the jet is applied directly to the 
gums, and as this last method is devoid of danger its use 
is advised in all cases except those of the last molars, 
which are not easily reached by the spray. 

•'In operating on the gums it is advisable, before using 
the spray, to smear some vaseline over them, after having 
dried them first, and it is also as well to protect the other 
healthy teeth with a piece of linen cloth." 

Ethyl chloride is also used in dentistry combined with 
cocaine. After the cocaine injection the gum is sprayed 
until a thick layer of white crystals is formed. The tooth 
may then be extracted without pain. 

The advantages, disadvantages and limitations of this 
method are similar to those of the ether spray. It is very 
convenient and rapid in action, and is perhaps the best of 
the methods depending on cold for effect. 

Cocaine Hydrochlorus is the hydrochlorate of an alka- 
loid obtained from the leaves of erythroxylon coca. It 
occurs in almost colorless circular crystals or crystalline 
powder. Its solution in water has a bitter taste and pro- 
duces on the tongue a tingling sensation followed by 
numbness. 

This agent came into practical use in 1884. and now 
stands at the head of local anaesthetics. The crystals may 
be applied directly to the skiu or mucous membrane, or in 
the form of an ointment. Solutions are usually more 
serviceable and act well on the mucous surfaces, where it 
is more readily absorbed than on the skin. Solutions for 
external use are of a strength of four, ten, and rarely 
fifteen or twenty per cent. They may be painted on or 
applied by saturating surgical cotton and placing it in 
contact with the parts to be deprived of sensation. In 
this latter manner the writer has been enabled to repair 
a considerable laceration of the penis in a sensitive child 



528 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

and to perform circumcision in babes without pain. 

As a hypodermic injection nothing stronger than a one 
per cent, solution is necessary and this must be used with 
care. Ligation of an extremity prevents the entrance of 
the drug into the general circulation. The writer has 
amputated a finger, after ligating it with a rubber cord 
and injecting freely the one per cent, solution, without 
pain, the patient being an interested spectator as the 
parts were severed by knife and bone forceps. 

Absorption and injection were combined in the follow- 
ing case of circumcision of an adult by the writer: The 
penis being ligated the foreskin was drawn upward and 
away from the glans penis. The space thus created was 
filled through the narrow preputial orifice with a ten per 
cent, solution of cocaine and secured like the mouth of a 
bag by a rubber band around the extreme end of the fore- 
skin. A one per cent, solution was injected into and under 
the skin of the penis, and after waiting fifteen or twenty 
minutes a painless operation was performed. Consider- 
able quantities of a one per cent, solution may be used in 
situations as above. Much of the injected fluid escapes 
from the incisions, and this escape of fluids should be en- 
couraged. The removal of the constricting band may be 
delayed and its final removal made gradually, so that any 
fluid remaining in the tissues will be taken into the gen- 
eral circulation little by little and will be eliminated 
nearly as fast as it enters. 

Even with the use of a ligature disastrous effects have 
come from a small quantity of a four per cent, solution 
injected into a toe. Hence one should use all measures 
possible to prevent absorption, and should use the smallest 
possible quantity and the weakest effective solution of the 
drug. 

Drs. Hall and Halsted, of New York, and other investi- 
gators have shown that the injection of a solution of 
cocaine into a nerve trunk causes a loss of sensation over 
the entire area supplied by that nerve for about twenty- 
five minutes. This method has been useful in some cases, 
but it often fails, probably because of the anastomosis of 
terminal nerve fibres. The same area being supplied 
partly from one and partly from another trunk, if one 
trunk is missed, sensation is only partially lost over the 
area of distribution. 

Cocaine is used in denial surgery both by absorption and 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS 529 

injection and in combination with ethyl chloride. For 
injection solutions of one to four per cent, are employed, 
but much weaker ones would probably be effective. Per- 
haps the solutions of Dr. Schleich which are given further 
on in this article would be efficient, and if so, should be 
used, as cocaine is especially apt to produce poisonous 
symptoms when used about the head, on account of its 
rapid entrance into the circulation. The needle of the 
syringe is inserted parallel to the tooth on either side, 
before and behind, from two to six punctures being made. 
The flat side of the needle point may be placed next the 
tooth, and the needle pushed between the tooth and sur- 
rounding tissues till it reaches the bottom of the socket, 
fluid being slowly forced out as it descends. By the use of 
ethyl chloride as mentioned above less cocaine is required 
for the extraction of teeth. 

Cocaine has also been used in connection with electric- 
ity, though never extensively. The anode, previously 
dipped in a solution, is placed on the skin a certain dis- 
tance from the Cathode and a galvanic current of from 
two to four milliamperes turned on. The fluid is carried 
from one pole to the other, thus cocainizing and anaesthe- 
tizing the strip of skin between. 

So many cases of poisoning by the injection of cocaine 
solutions to the urethra have occurred that many surgeons 
have abandoned its use in this situation. 

Dr. W. H. Dukeman in the N. Y. Medical Journal gives a 
method of application which he claims is effective and free 
from danger. He speaks as follows: "Two cubic centi- 
metres (thirty-three minims) of a two per cent, solution is 
amply strong for the relief of pain in deep urethral opera- 
tions, while in cases of internal urethrotomy of the distal 
end of the penile urethra not deeper than three inches, 
[ use a four per cent, solution. In both cases the strength 
is ample. The solution should not remain in the deep 
urethra more than seven aiinutes at the 'utmost. Usually 
live minutes is enough, while in the distal penile portion 
it will require seven to ten minutes to completely anaes- 
thetize the urethra. It should be seen that the urethra is 
emptied of the cocaine solution by stripping it so there is 
no further or prolonged absorption. Observing these rules 
and using weak solutions, I have never seen any alarming 
or poisoning symptoms from the use of cocaine," 

Solutions of cocaine are not permanent, hence they 



530 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

should be prepared in small quantities and used while 
fresh. If it is desired to preserve them, a small quantity 
of carbolic acid or other antiseptic should be added to the 
solution. Boiling destroys the properties of a cocaine 
solution. The anaesthetic effect is said to be increased by 
adding a small portion of sodium carbonate to the freshly 
prepared solution. 

The intensely poisonous character of cocaine forbids its 
use in any considerable quantity in situations where it 
will enter the general circulation. Dr. Schleich, of Berlin. 
G-ermany, by his infiltration method, has recently over- 
come this obstacle to a degree and greatly enlarged the 
field of usefulness of the agent, at the same time diminish- 
ing its dangers. Of the three solutions, the one most 
employed by him has one part of cocaine to about one 
thousand parts of water 

Anaesthesia is produced by the injection of water alone 
into the skin. The effect is due to the pressure of the 
fluid upon the infiltrated tissues driving out the blood and 
compressing the nerve filaments, and is heightened by the 
low temperature of the fluid used. But the anaesthesia so 
produced is transitory and somewhat painful in applica- 
tion. These disadvantages are removed by adding a small 
proportion of cocaine, which prolongs the anaesthetic effect 
and is so diluted that a sufficient qnantity of fluid to anaes- 
thetize a large area can be injected and received into the 
general circulation without disaster. The formulae for 
the three solutions used by Dr. Schleich are as follows: 

i — Strong. 2 — Normal. 3 — Weak. 

Cocaine H.ydrochlorate, - grs. 4 grs. 2 grs. 1-5 

Morphine H.ydrochlorate, - - gr. £ gr. i gr. 1-10 

Sodium Chloride, - - - grs. 4 grs. 4 grs. 4 

Distilled Water, - - - fl. oz. 4 fl. oz. 4 fl. oz. 4 

Add to each solution three drops of a five per cent, car- 
bolic solution to preserve it. The distilled water should 
be boiled and the salt heated before preparing the solu- 
tion, to insure asepsis. 

Solution 2 is used in most cases and two fluid ounces 
may be injected before reaching the maximum dose of one 
grain of cocaine. Solution 3 will frequently serve and 
should be used in cases where the operation is not so pro- 
longed and extensive as to require, otherwise, the injection 
of fluid enough to contain the maximum dose. To get one 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS 531 

grain of cocaine the patient must receive twenty fluid 
ounces of solution 3. 

When it is considered that this fluid is never all injected 
at once, and that much of it escapes with blood and other 
wound fluids, leaving 1 a residue which is slowly absorbed 
and eliminated, it can be readily understood that the 
method is much safer and has a wider application than 
was ever possible with solutions of one per cent, and up- 
wards which were formerly employed in a limited field. 

F\»r the injection of these fluids the ordinary hypoder- 
mic syringe with fine and sharp needles is required, 
Curved needles are useful in some cases. Both syringe 
and needle should be boiled in water or alcohol and thor- 
oughly disinfected. 

When prepared, the point of the needle is buried in the 
skin deep enough to cover the opening and fluid is slowly 
pressed out till a spot about the size of a penny is infil- 
trated. The affected area becomes white, bloodless and 
elevated somewhat like the bite of an insect. Anywhere 
within the affected area the needle. may be reinserted and 
advanced to the edge of the former infiltration and more 
fluid forced out into new territory. In this manner suc- 
cessive areas may be anaesthetized, covering more skin 
surface or going deeper into the tissues. Only the pain of 
the first puncture need be felt, and with sensitive patients 
this can be avoided by the preliminary use of the ethyl 
chloride spray for a moment, or by the application of a 
drop of carbolic solution or cocaine crystals. The pain of 
inserting a sharp needle is so slight as to seldom cause any 
complaint. 

The operator must take care to inject the fluid into and 
not under the skin. If the needle is inserted through the 
skin before the fluid is expelled, the latter will not readily 
be anaesthetized. Later the fluid may be carried into the 
deeper structures if desired. 

One should not attempt to begin the process in acutely 
inflamed and sensitive tissue, but in the sound tissue at 
one side, from which point a gradual advance can be made 
into, under or around the sensitive parts. It is usually 
best to cut off the nerve supply by carrying the fluid 
around or under such a sensitive point rather than direct- 
ly into it. An acute abscess should be approached in this 
manner. If it is desired to anaesthetize the interior of the 
cavity, some of the contents should be permitted to escape 



532 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

first, otherwise the forcing of more fluid inside the abscess 
cavity will cause an increase of pressure on surrounding- 
parts and lead to intense pain. 

Some difficulties were met with by the writer in using 
this method. While injecting an acutely inflamed toe 
with ingrowing nail, great pain was caused. The toe was 
ligated with rubber cord and the skin distended with 
obstructed blood. Whenever any fluid was injected under 
the skin, the hydraulic pressure was transmitted to every 
part of the toe, including the inflamed and sensitive por- 
tions, causing intense pain. 

The toe should have been rendered bloodless by eleva- 
tion and the use of a bandage. The injection should then 
have been thoroughly applied to the sound tissues so as to 
cutoff the nerve supply to the sensitive parts. Another 
method would have been to leave off the ligature till the 
toe was well anaesthetized and then ligate; or, if Schleich'a 
fluid was used, the operation might proceed without any 
ligature, the absence of which would have relieved the 
hydraulic pressure. 

In a deep operation the layers of tissue can be succes- 
sively infiltrated and divided, or can all be anaesthetized 
before dividing, by pushing the needle deeper and deeper, 
continually forcing out fluid from its point till the perios- 
teum is reached, which should also be infiltrated when 
necessary to sever bone. 

The writer has found difficulty in applying this method 
in the removal of recurrent cancerous tumors of the breast, 
because the scar tissue left by the first operation was diffi- 
cult to penetrate with the needle and could not be dis- 
tended and infiltrated as in the case of normal tissue: 
hence sensation and pain in that vicinity was not lost 
completely, as was the case elsewhere. 

This infiltration method can be employed in most minor 
operations, and has been carried by enthusiasts into the 
field properly belonging to general anaesthesia. Laparoto- 
mies, nephrectomies and amputations of the arm have 
been performed under it. Such operations as the removal 
of small tumors, opening abscesses or felons, opening the 
cavities of the body, operations for hemorrhoids, verico- 
cele, hydrocele, injecting hernias, castration, opening of 
knee joint, opening of pleural cavity, strangulated hernia, 
tracheotomy, resection of rib, amputations of fingers and 
toes have been appropriately done under this method. 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS 533 

The advantages of the method are many. In the opera- 
tion for strangulated hernia vomiting is usually present 
and the use of chloroform therefore attended with great 
danger. This method of anaesthesia may be substituted 
and the danger of suffocation from ejected material 
avoided. Operations can frequently be done in the office 
without assistance. Patients who would refuse chloroform 
or ether will accept this method. 

The disadvantages are that much time may be consumed 
in infiltrating and reinfiltrating the tissues during opera- 
tion. The use of a poisonous drug is always objectionable. 
It is not always desirable to have the p;itient as a specta- 
tor. Other objections have been indicated in the forego- 
ing article. 

The infiltration method is now modified by some sur- 
geons who substitute antipyrine and menthol for carbolic 
acid in Schleich's formulae. The morphine may also be 
dropped. 

There is ^reat variation in regard to the amount of the 
drug likely to cause death. Some persons seem particu- 
larly open to its effects, while others recover from enor- 
mous doses. The following rule is commonly agreed on 
by surgeons of experience: Never use more than two- 
thirds of a grain on a mucous surface nor more than one- 
third of a grain hypodermieally. Schleich's rule in his 
infiltration method permits the. use of one grain as the 
maximum dose, but this is not all injected at one time and 
much of it escapes from the wound and never enters the 
circulation. 

In every case the surgeon should take all the precautions 
enumerated in this article, and should use especial care 
with each new patient till certain that he has the average 
tolerance for the drug. 

When beginning the use of the drug, the writer had a 
case of mild cocaine poisoning, but never has observed any 
since. A bullet was lodged against the scapula; more dis- 
section was required than expected, and the solution was 
stronger than necessary. Had Schleich's method been 
used a more extensive operation might have been done 
without any untoward effects. In this case it was of dis- 
tinct advantage to have the assistance of the patient, who 
could at any time place his finger over the location of the 
ball when the operator was unable to locate it. The 
symptoms produced by the drug were pallor: weak, rapid 



534 SURGICAL AM^ESTHETICS. 

pulse; giddiness; general weakness and tremor. They 
passed in a short time without treatment. 

In more severe cases syncope or delirium, with paralysi* 
or fixation of the respiratory muscles, followed by death, 
may occur. 

The indications for treatment are as follows: In ure- 
thral cases, the bladder and urethra should be emptied by 
catheter and washed out. In all cases the action of the 
kidneys should be encouraged, as the poison is eliminated 
by this channel. To this end plenty of fluid should be 
given. Stimulants of diffusive character may be used. 
Tr. lobelia compound or tr. myrrh compound by mouth, 
hypodermically or by rectum will be appropriate. Artifi- 
cial respiration and inhalations of oxygen are also recom- 
mended. 

Eucaine is a substance recently brought to notice, and 
while similar in many respects to cocaine, has some im- 
portant advantages claimed for it. It is produced by 
chemical synthesis, and the formula being found to closely 
resemble that of cocaine, it was surmised that the proper- 
ties of the drug would be similar, and such may be found 
to be the case. The drug is used in the same solutions. 
the same amounts and with the same precautions as 
cocaine. The intensity, duration and time of setting in 
of anaesthesia are similar to those of cocaine. The advan- 
tages lie in the following, points: Eucaine is less poison- 
ous. Animals given a certain dose of it survived, while 
similar animals died under the same amount of cocaine. 
Eucaine dilates the vessels locally, instead of contracting 
them, and decreases the frequency of the pulse instead of 
accelerating it. Eucaine solutions are permanent and can 
be sterilized by boiling for a long time, while cocaine will 
decompose if kept long or if boiled. The drug has been 
used more in dental than in general surgery, and has 
received very favorable mention, both in America and 
Europe. The writer is without experience with the drug. 

Menthol — Dr. Tillman, of Germany, in his work on 
surgery, speaks of having good success with menthol dis- 
solved in lanolin or olive oil. Me uses a solution of ten to 
twenty per cent, hypodermically and sometimes combines 
it with the ether spray. A mixture of equal parts of lano- 
lin and menthol is applied to the surface with good results. 
Menthol is not a poisonous drug and seems worthy of 
(further trial and report. If effective, it should have the 



SURGICAL ANESTHETICS 535 

preference over cocaine. Certainly a non-poisonous anaes- 
thetic is as desirable as a non-poisonous therapeutic agent. 
It has heretofore appeared to the writer that such an 
anaesthetic was not possible, because a drug which will 
strike down or suspend the function of the tissue elements, 
or a part of the nervous system, must necessarily be de- 
structive or poisonous. If the conclusions and considera- 
tions in regard to ether and chloroform in the previous 
article devoted to general anaesthesia are correct, this 
position is erroneous, and we should continue to search 
and test until we find an efficient and non-poisonous local 
anaesthetic. 

ANESTHESIA IN OPHTHALMIC SURGERY. 
By E. G. Anthony. M. D. 

Professor of Didactic and Clinical Opthalmology, Otology and Rhinology 
in the Physio-Medical College of Indiana, Indianapolis. 

Before local anaesthetics were used in ophthalmic sur- 
gery, the simpler operations were performed without the 
use of ether and chloroform. Many surgeons used those 
drugs only in severe cases and when it became necessary 
to open the eyeball, there wa^ constant fear and anxiety 
since the strain from vomiting so frequently resulted dis- 
astrously to the eye. In the last few years rapid advance- 
ment has been made in this department of ophthalmology. 
A better understanding of pathology and new methods of 
operating with improved instruments, together with the 
introduction of cocaine, has made the surgery of the eye 
a most interesting study. 

General Aucesthesut: — Notwithstanding the fact that 
a large number of the operations on the eye can be per- 
formed while the tissues are under the influence of a local 
anaesthetic, the more severe ones which are necessarily 
prolonged, require general anaethesia. Plastic operations 
on the lids, tenotomy, enucleation of theeye ball, advance- 
ment of the ocular muscles and in many cases, iridectomy 
can be better performed when relaxation is quite com- 
plete from the influence of ether or chloroform. For young 
people and also older ones, when an operation can be quick- 
ly done, chloroform acts well. If the individual be weak- 
ly and the operation is prolonged, ether does better. In all 
cases where a large corneal section is to be made, general 
anaesthesia is not advisable. The vomiting which so fre- 



536 SUKGTCAL ANAESTHETICS 

quently occurs is likely to destroy the eye by causing in- 
traocular hemorrhage or au escape of the vitreous humor. 

Local Ancesthesia: — Either the muriate or the hy- 
drochlorate of cocaine may be used. The rapidity with 
which the drug acts when applied to the eye depends up- 
on the strength of the solution. Anaesthesia generally 
lasts about ten minutes. The weaker the solution the 
slower and less lasting in its action. 

When a solution of cocaine is dropped into the eye, a 
burning sensation is experienced for a few seconds. Then 
the palpebral fissure begins to appear wider than natural 
and the conjunctiva looks pale owing to a contraction of 
its vessels. The pupil soon gets large and when anaes- 
thesia is thorough, mydriasis is complete. Some writers 
claim that a wider dilatation of the pupil can be produced 
by the use of cocaine than by any other mydriatic. A test 
of the various mydriatics will prove the truthfulness of 
this statement. The accommodation is only slightly im- 
paired. In early life the degree of relaxation of the ciliary 
muscle produced by cocaine is not sufficient to enable one 
to adjust glasses accurately. But after forty years of age 
when the accommodation is naturally weak, and yet inter- 
feres with the correction of presbyopia, the drug may be 
used to advantage. At that age however, it must be used 
very cautiously. Glaucoma more frequently developes at 
that period of life, and if the pupil be dilated with cocaine, 
or any other mydriatic, a glaucomatous attack may be pre- 
cipitated at once. Before applying the drug then, if the 
patient be elderly, carefully test the tension of the ball 
and be sure that all symptoms of glaucoma are absent. 

Cataract: — Operations are best performed under local 
anaesthesia. Three instillations of a two percent, solution 
of cocaine at intervals of two minutes, will produce suffici- 
ent anaesthesia to render the making of the corneal sect- 
ion painless. If iridectomy is to be a step in the operation, 
when the iris is excised, there will be sharp pain unless 
the drug has been applied a sufficient length of time for it 
to pass through the cornea and thus anaesthetize the iris. 
A stronger solution than two per cent, does not act so well. 
It is more likely to reduce the tension of the ball and soft- 
en the cornea. These conditions predispose to collapse of 
the cornea after the cataractous lens is extracted. 

Tertotomy, in cases of strabismus may be performed un- 
der local anaesthesia. When the patient is old enough and 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 537 

can bring his will power to bear, this method is preferred. 
He is conscious and when lie makes an effort, can greatly 
assist bhe surgeon in controlling the movements of the 
ball. 

Three or four instillations of a four per cent, solution of 
cocaine will produce anaesthesia of the conjunctiva. After 
the openiug has been made through the conjunctiva and 
capsule of Tenon, and the conjunctiva freely separated 
from the sclera at the p>int of operation, two or three 
drops of a two per cent solution may be dropped into the 
wound thus coming in contact with the tendon and muscle. 
This will greatly modify the pain but in no instance should 
the opeiator expect the operation to be painless. Traction 
on the muscle with the strabismus hook will cause pain 
deep in the orbit at the origin of the muscle where the co- 
caine can not be applied. For this reason in most children 
under ten years of age, general anaesthesia from the inhal- 
ation of ether or chloroform is required. The operation 
can then be performed easily with but little danger of in- 
jury to the eye from the patient's resistive efforts. 

Enucleation of the eyeball has been performed by 
some surgeons after having thoroughly applied cocaine. 
Pour or five instillations of a four per cent, solution at in- 
tervals of two or three minutes anaesthetizes the conjunc- 
tiva. A two percent, solution is injected back of the ball 
by means of a specially devised syringe. After the con- 
junctiva has been separated from the ball, the two per 
cent, solution is dropped into the wound. Anaesthesia can 
not become so complete but that pain is caused by the op- 
eration especially where traction is made on the muscle by 
the hook, and the optic nerve put on a stretch preparatory 
to section. 

I have never enucleated an eye under the influence of co- 
caine. It requires so much of the drug to produce the nec- 
essary anaesthesia, that there is danger of a toxic effect. 
General anaesthesia from ether or chloroform is preferred. 

Iridectomy for optical purposes, may be performed un- 
der the influence of cocaine. If a prolonged application of 
a four per cent, solution be made, it passes through the 
cornea and anaesthetizes the iris. An evidence of such anaes- 
thesia is complete mydriasis. Sometimes a drop of a two 
per cent, solution may be injected into the anterior cham- 
ber but care must be taken to have the solution free from 
foreign matter. Iridectomy for glaucoma requires general 



538 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

anaesthesia. The mydriatic effect of cocaine is contra-indi- 
cated. 

Local anaesthesia is sufficient for operations on the lach- 
rymal passages. Preparatory to slitting the canaliculus, a 
four per cent, solution of cocaine may be injected into the 
tube. A pledget of cotton may also be saturated with the 
solution and applied directly over the canal. Anaesthesia 
is so complete that but slight pain if any is felt when the 
canaliculus is slit. A lachrymal abcess may be lanced 
after the application of a ten per cent, solution of cocaine 
at the point of incision. Sometimes the crystals of cocaine 
may be applied directly to the skin covering the abcess. 
Stricture of the nasal duct may be incised with a canali- 
culus knife after the injection into the duct of two or 
three drops of a two per cent, solution of cocaine. Extir- 
pation of the lachrymal gland is rarely necessary. If 
the operation is to be performed, general anaesthesia is re- 
quired. Abcess of the lachrymal gland may be opened 
after the application of a ten per cent, solution or of the 
crystals of cocaine to the skin covering the gland. 

Chalazion or meibomian cyst, requires local anaesthesia 
when operated upon. If the cyst be internal, a crucial in- 
cision through the conjunctiva into the tumor is necessary. 
The part may be previously anaesthetized by everting the 
lid and applying a four per cent, solution of cocaine by 
means of cotton. If the chalazion be external, the cocaine 
crystals may be applied to the skin over the tumor and the 
sac removed through an opening in the skin. 

Hordeolum or sty, in the stage of suppuration, may be 
incised under the influence of a four per cent solution of 
cocaine. It is well to remember however, that cocaine has 
but slight effect on the edges of the lids and if much anaes- 
thesia is produces in these cases, the drug has to be applied 
quiet persistingly. 

The cornea is quite easily anaesthetized with cocaine. 
This makes the drug quite useful in some cases. Ulcera 
tion generally causes much sensitiveness to light Some- 
times blepharospasm is so great as to prevent inspection of 
the ball. Two or three instillations of a four per cent, so- 
lution of cocaine produces anaesthesia to such a degree 
that the blepharospasm ceases. Then the cornea may be 
inspected and whatever agent is indicated can be applied 
directly to the ulcer. Foreign bodies in the eye may be 
easily removed. When they are imbedded in the cornea. 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 539 

the} 7 are very annoying. Under the influence of a 4 per cent, 
solution of cocaine, they may be picked out with a corneal 
spud without pain. Paracinlesis of the cornea for temp- 
orarily lowering the tension of the ball; for preventing per- 
foration in cases of ulceration of the cornea: and for the re- 
moval of pus and turbid aqueous material, may be perform- 
ed under the influence of cocaine. When the actual caut- 
ery is to be applied to ulcers of the cornea, general anaes- 
thesia must be produced by the use of ether or chloroform. 

Pterygium may be operated upon, either by excision, 
transplantation or ligation, under the influence of cocaine 
with but slight pain. If the operation is prolonged, sev- 
eral instillations may be applied at intervals during its 
progress. 

Anaesthesia in the Surgery of the Eur. — Some opera- 
tions on the ear, such as trephining the mastoid process, 
and removing tumors from the auricle, require general 
anaesthesia by the use of ether or chloroform. Others 
may be made under the influence of cocaine. Paracentesis 
of the membrana tympani, removal of fungus tissue and 
polypus tumors and incision of furuncles, may be per- 
formed under local anaesthesia. The anaesthetic effect of 
cocaine upon the drum-head is less marked than upon 
many other tissues. This may be due to its structural 
arrangement, vascular and nerve supply. 

Ancesthesia in the Surgery of the Nose and Throat, — 
Some of the more severe operations on the nose and throat, 
such a» curetting the vault of the pharynx for the removal 
of adenoid vegetations, require general anaesthesia. This 
operation is only necessary in children, for as age advances 
the pharyngeal tonsil undergoes atrophy and finally disap- 
pears. Less severe operations may be made under the 
influence of cocaine. 

Hypertrophy of that portion of the nasal mucosa cover- 
ing the anterior and posterior extremities of the turbi- 
nated bones, may be removed either by cauterization or 
by the use of the snare. In either case a four per cent, 
solution of cocaine may be applied. If the hypertrophy be 
anterior, a pledget of cotton may be saturated with the 
solution and placed in the nasal cavity between the hyper- 
trophy and septum of the nose in such a way that the 
cocaine is held in contact with the part to be cauterized or 
removed. A better plan is to twist the cooton around the 
end of an applicator and apply in the same manner. Then 



540 SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 

there is no danger of the patient drawing the cotton back 
into the throat. If the hypertrophy be posterior, two or 
three applications may be made back of the palate by 
twisting cotton around the end of a curved applicator and 
saturating with the cocaine solution. In such cases the 
rhinoscopic mirror must be used and some dexterity is 
required in bringing the drug in direct contact with the 
point desired. 

When applied in this way to these hypertrophic masses, 
cocaine not only produces anaesthesia, but helps in diagno- 
sis. The action of the drug is to contract the blood-vessels 
and produce an artificial anaemia of the part to which it is 
applied. If the tumefaction be due to an increased amount 
of blood in the part, as is the case in acute coryza and 
sometimes chronic rhinitis, it will disappear when under 
the influence of cocaine. But if the swelling be due to 
hypertrophy of the tissues, the change in the size of the 
tumor will be very slight. This enables the surgeon to 
decide as to the degree of hypertrophy and at the same 
time form an opinion as to how much cauterization is 
necessary or how much tissue is to be removed by the 
snare. 

Polypus tumors, both nasal and post- nasal, may be 
removed by means of the snare without pain, after apply- 
ing a four per cent, solution of cocaine at the point of 
attachment. If they are to be removed by evulsion, some 
pain will be felt even though the drug has been properly 
applied. Ecchondromuta and exostoses of the septum 
and deviation of the nasal partition, may be operated 
upon with but little pain under local anaesthesia. 

When amputation of the tonsils is necessary, a four 
per cent, solution should always be applied. When the 
tonsiltome is used the operation may be done quickly. If 
the snare be used, the process is slower and the pain 
greater. This calls for as thorough anaesthesia as can be 
produced. 

Manipulations within the larynx are quite easy since 
the introduction of cocaine. Before this drug became 
known, operations had to be performed in the midst of 
gagging and retching. A four per cent, solution applied 
to the mucosa of the larynx, so anaesthetizes the part and 
prevents muscular spasm, that foreign bodies can be easily 
grasped with forceps and removed. A stronger solution 
must not be used too freely for there is danger of cocaine 



SURGICAL ANAESTHETICS. 541 

poisoning. Endplaryngeal tumors may be cauterized 
after cocainization. Nitrate of silver or chromic acid, if 
applied cautiously, are devoid of danger. In some cases it 
is almost impossible to make a laryngoscopic examination, 
owing to the sensitiveness of the throat and spasm of the 
muscles. An application of a four per cent, solution of 
cocaine to the soft palate and base of the tongue, relieves 
the spasm and enables the surgeon to proceed with the 
examination. 

Eucalne Hydrochlorate, — This is a local anaesthetic 
recently introduced to the profession. Ophthalmic sur- 
geons who have experimented with it, claim that instead 
of producing ischaemia, as does cocaine, hyperemia is 
developed. This affects the entire conjunctival sac and 
lasts about thirty minutes after the first instillation. 
The drug excites free lachrymation in some cases, but the 
pupil is not influenced nor the accommodation impaired. 

When a solution is dropped into the eye, a burning sen- 
sation is experienced for a few seconds. This seems to be 
more persistent than that produced by cocaine. To avoid 
this unpleasant effect, it is recommended that a drop of a 
one per cent, solution be first instilled. This is not pain- 
ful and soon produces slight anassthesia. Then a drop of a 
two per cent, solution may be applied. As a rule, two and 
one-half minutes later anaesthesia is quite complete and 
lasts from ten to eighteen minutes. 

One objection to the use of the drug is its tendency to 
excite conjunctival hyperemia. To counteract this action 
Dr. Emile Berger combines cocaine with eucaine as fol- 
lows: 

Cocaine Hydrochlorate 

Eucaine Hydrochlorate aa. grs. iii 

Distilled Water, boiled dr. v 

M. Sig. Use as required. 

The tendency of cocaine to contract the blood-vessels 
and produce ischaemia, neutralizes the eucaine, the action 
of which is to dilate them. Thus we are enabled to pro- 
duce anaesthesia without exciting hyperemia of the con- 
junctiva. 

A solution of eucaine does not soften nor dry the cornea. 
This, together with the fact that it does not cause mydri- 
asis nor impair the accommodation, gives a drug which 
merits the attention of ophthalmic surgeons, since there 



542 SYRI>7GA. 

are cases requiring anaesthesia in which the mydriatic 
effect of cocaine is contra-indicated. 

Otologists and rhinologists may use a five or ten per 
cent, solution of eucaine hydrochlorate to advantage. 

SWERTIA CH1RATA. 
Chirata. (Ophelia Chi rata.) 

This herb is an intensely bitter tonic, influencing the 
alvine mucous membrane and the liver, promoting appetite 
and assisting digestion. It is adapted to torpid and slug- 
gish conditions and in small doses is useful in convales- 
cence. Its bitter taste may be partly covered by orange 
peel. 

SYMPHYTUM OFFICINALE. 

Coinfrey. 

The root is a soothing, demulcent, gently stimulating 
tonic to the mucous membrane, especially of the respira- 
tory organs. It allays irritation, increases expectoration 
and tones the bronchi. It is useful in colds and coughs, 
and is a valuable addition to cough syrups generally. 

The fresh material bruised is a good application to 
bruises and irritable sores. 

Symphytum, rheum, inula, aralia racemosa, syruplocar- 
pus and marrubium, of each oz. iss. Boil in one gallon of 
water. Strain, and boil the liquid to one quart. Add 
sugar 3 pounds and alcohol 2 ounces. This forms a nervine 
cough syrup. 

SYMPLOCARPUS FCETIDUS. 
Skunk Cabbage. 

The roots and seeds are a prompt, relaxing and stimu- 
lating, diffusive, antispasmodic nervine. 

It is good in cases of irritable hysteria, a good addition 
to cough syrups for irritable coughs, valuable for the rest- 
lessness of fevers, in chorea, whooping cough and in gen- 
eral irritation of the system. 

SYRINGA VULGARIS. 
Lilac- 

The leaves and flowers are a mild bitter stimulating and 
relaxing agent influencing the mucous membrane, and in 
hot infusion gives a good outward flow of the circulation. 



TEREBT^TTHINA. 543 

It is useful in colds with feverishness and is a good addi- 
tion to cough syrups. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener says that the flowers are a specific in 
whooping cough. 

TANACETUM VULGARE. 

Tansy. 

This herb is a bitter, diffusive stimulant. A hot infu- 
sion influences an outward flow of the circulation and a 
moderate free diaphoresis. It is used for the relief of 
colds and for the relief of the menstrual flow when ob- 
structed by colds. It must not be used by the pregnant. 
The oil is even more dangerous to them. 

A poultice of tansy will frequently relieve pruritus 
vulva. 

TARAXACUM OFFICINALE. 
Dandelion. (T. Dens Leonis.) 

This root, in order that you may experience its best 
effects, must be gathered during the Summer months after 
it has accomplished its growth and before the freezing 
weather of Autumn begins. Boiling impairs its strength. 
It is a mild, slow, relaxing and stimulating tonic hepatic, 
influencing slowly the liver, alvine canal and kidneys. It 
assists digestion and assimilation. It influences the liver 
in both its secreting and excreting functions. It gives 
very favorable results in cases of torpid liver, indigestion, 
constipation, jaundice and dropsy. It needs to be given in 
large dose* and to be frequently repeated. It may be used 
as an infusion or a diluted fluid extract. It is one of the 
best of the milder agents. Its influence upon the kidneys 
is also very favorable. 

In typhoid fever its influence is excellent and may be 
continued any length of time without wearying the sys- 
tem. As a gastric tonic it is v^ery valuable in dyspepsia, 
and in irritation of the gastric and intestinal membrane, 
especially when there is torpor of the liver. The presence 
of zingiber renders it more diffusive. 

The leaves form an admirable dish in Spring, served as 
greens. It is a medicinal food. 

TEREBINTHINA. 
Turpentine- 

Pirius Palustris furnishes the common American or 
white turpentine. 



544 THUJA. 

Pinus Sylvestris furnishes the common European tur- 
pentine. 

Abies Balsamea is that from which the Canada turpen- 
tine is obtained. 

Pistacia Terebinthus furnishes Chian turpentine (Tere- 
binthina Chia). 

Abies Lari-jc or Larix Europoea furnishes Venice turpen- 
tine. 

Internally turpentine is volatile, pungent, strongly odor- 
ous, quite stimulating to the stomach and strongly influ- 
encing the kidneys. Inhaling it produces the same effects, 
and with some painters leads to jaundice. It is also used 
externally in liniments. 

Oil Turpentine oz. 50 

Oil Origanum oz. 3 

Oil Lavender oz. 1 

Pije Liquida is the turpentine from the pinus sylvestris 
extracted from the wood burnt under ground and chem- 
ically changed by heat. The process by distillation yields 
pyroligneous acid and leaves the pitch. The oil of tar is a 
harsh stimulating and somewhat irritating agent. 

Pine tar fumes are sometimes used for asthma. 

Chian turpentine taken in doses of 2 to 5 grains three or 
tour times a day is reported by several to have cured some 
cases of cancer of the uterus and 'of other parts. 

It is also reported successlul in chorea, 

THEOBROMA COCOA. 
Cocoa, Chocolate Nuts. 

This tree grows in Mexico, the West Indies, and is much 
cultivated in Venezuela. The nuts have an oily, aromatic, 
slightly bitter taste and an agreeable odor. They con- 
tain a fixed oil which is expressed in considerable quanti- 
ties and denominated cocoa butter. The shells have been 
occasionally used as a substitute for coffee. From the 
kernel a chocolate is prepared which is much used in the 
culinary art and as a drink at the morning meal. 

THUJA OCCIDENTALS. 
Arbor Vitce. Northern States, Canada. 

The tops are a stimulating alterant influencing the 
mucous membrane, the serous membrane and glandular 
structures. In hot infusion it influences the circulation 
and is somewhat emmenagogue and useful in amenorrhoea 



THYMUS. 545 

arising from congestion. Zingiber is a good addition in 
such cases. It is a rather unsafe agent for the pregnant 
to use. 

In case of spermatorrhoea, nocturnal emissions and the 
results of masturbation this agent has proven successful. 

In various cancerous conditions, especially scirrhous, 
condyJomatous and epitheliomatous varieties, this agent 
may be used constitutionally and locally. If the os uteri 
be engaged and there be a tendency to hemorrhage use 
this freely. It controls capillary hemorrhage. A hot 
fomentation of the leaves forms a good application in 
cases of rheumatism. 

It may also be used for syphilis and applied to venereal 
warts and sores. It is a good wash for cancerous and gan- 
grenous sores just before dressing them. It cleanses and 
considerably deodorizes. 

It forms a good application to rectal fissures and it may 
be injected into hemorrhoids instead of carbolic acid. 

It may be used in enuresis with benefit, and in an equal 
portion of water it maybe injected in case of hydrocele 
into the tunica vaginalis testis. 

As an alterative an infusion may be taken very freely. 

It may be combined with vaseline and used as a salve. 

Dr. C. B. Riggs uses the following for eczema: 
F. E. Thuja Oc. 
" Hamamelis Virg. aa. oz. ss 

M. Sig. Apply frequently to the affected parts, having 
given first a thorough lobelia and composition emetic. 
Then follow with a brisk cathartic. Repeat these occa- 
sionally as demanded by the conditions present, and con- 
tinuously use some good alterative compound. 

THYMUS VULGARIS. 

Thyme. 

This herb is a pleasant aromatic, diffusive, stimulating 
carminative. In hot infusion it is diaphoretic and influ- 
ences the periods when they have been obstructed from 
cold. It also aids in the relief of colds and colic. 

This plant yields a volatile oil (oleum thymi) which is 
added to various liniments. 

Thymol is from this oil, an antiseptic. It is in large 
crystals and has an agreeable odor. It is insoluble in 
water, but readily soluble in oil. It is very pleasant to 
inhale in pulmonary troubles, and is a deodorant for the 



046 TOXICOLOGY. 

sick-room and places not properly ventilated. Prof. J. E. 
Roop uses thymentholin the treatment of uterine troubles. 

TOLUIFERA BALSAMUM. 
Tolv. 

This is a stimulating balsamic especially influencing 
the respiratory mucous membrane and giving a warming 
impression throughout. It is chiefly used as an adjuvant 
in cough compounds and very favorably promotes expecto- 
ration. 

TOXICOLOGY. 

By H. A. Hadley, M. D. 

Professor of Toxicology and Demonstrator of Anatomy, in the Chicago 
Physio-Medical College. 

Chemistry, Toxicology and Medical Jurisprudence are so 
intimately connected that it is impossible to separate 
them completely; but as this article is prepared for the 
practical benefit of the student and general practitioner of 
medicine, toxicology is separated as far as I think to be 
practical from Chemistry and Medical Jurisprudence. 

To show how inseparable they are; suppose you are called 
to treat a case of poisoning and whether death ensue or 
not, the poison being administered by some one, other than 
the one poisoned, with the intention of committing mur- 
der, or if the relatives and friends suspicion such hn< been 
the case, it may become at once necessary to secure the 
services of an expert chemist and jurist, (which as a rule 
the student and general practitioner of medicine are not,) 
in order to be able to bring out the points necessary to sus- 
tain a capital charge. 

There is a place before this time is reached that the gen- 
eral practitioner will be surely called on to fill and he or she 
can fill it whether they be expert Chemists or Jurists, or 
not; but the more chemistry and possibly law one knows in 
some cases will enable them to administer treatment with 
abetter understanding and more successfully. What fol- 
lows is given with the intention of assisting the student 
and general practitioner to better fill this place; and all 
definitions are made as nearly as possible to conform with 
the above ideas. 

Toxicology is the branch of medical science that treats 
of the nature of poisons, of their morbific effects, of their 



TOXICOLOGY. 547 

antidotes, of their detection in the organs or tissues, and 
of the treament at tne time of poisoning. 

While the antidote will form part of the treatment, and 
a very important part in many cases, and in some no part, 
there is other treatment f o be instituted; hence the latter 
clause of this definition. 

To define the substance that creates this branch of med- 
ical science, toxicology, is difficult; but for the purposes 
here intended, I submit the following. 

A poison is any substance that when taken into the sys- 
tem acts in a noxious manner, by means not mechanical, 
tending to cause death or serious detriment to health. 

According to this definition, it matters not by what ave- 
nue the poison gains access into the body its ultimate re- 
sult will be the same, The stomach is the most common 
method; but the rectum, vagina, ear, nose, lungs, skin, 
cellular tissue by hypodermic injection, are all channe's of 
entrance. The inhalation of poisonous vapors and subcu- 
taneous injection with the hyro lermic syringe act much 
more quickly than by any other means of introduction, be- 
cause of their more rapid absorption. 

Mode ofacti >ti ofpoisoxis: — In order that a poison may 
produce its full morbific effects on the system, it must be 
taken into the circulation and thus conveyed to all [arts 
of the body; this is done by absorption. 

Corrosives produce local actions generally sufficient 
to cause death or serious damage to health. 

Abundant proof that poisons are absorbed is had by de- 
tecting them in the different secretions and excretions of 
the body, the blood, the differe.it viscera, aslungs liver, kid- 
neys, brain etc. Hare is an important point in a toxicolog- 
ical examination, to find the poison in the absorbed state 
in these organs or in the secretions and excretions. Rap- 
idity of absorption is remarkable in many cases and is 
greatly influenced by many conditions; as the solubility of 
the poison; so long as the poison remains insoluble it can 
not be absorbed; but some substance insoluble in water are 
soluble in the fluids of the stomach and intestines. The 
nature of the surface to which it is applied is a most im- 
portant factor; the great vascularity of the lungs accounts 
for the rapid absorption, by this channel of vapors already 
refered to. Some animal poisons as the virus of glanders, 
syphilis and some others are said to undergo a change if 
taken into the stomach that renders them innocuous. In 



548 TOXICOLOGY. 

the stomach the absorption of poisons is most rapid if the 
organ be empty. Absorption through the cuticle is slow, 
but does take place by the application of ointments or 
washes made from corrosive sublimate, arsenic, opium and 
other poisons; if these should be applied to an abraded 
surface absorption will be much quicker. 

After absorption into the blood, as the poison passes 
through the different organs, a portion of it is separated 
by these organs and then eliminated by the bile, urine, 
sweat, etc. Another portion is deposited in the organs 
and is said to be in about the following order as to quan- 
tity: the liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, pan- 
creas, muscles and bones. There is only a small portion of 
the poison circulating in the capillaries at any one time, 
yet there is good reason to believe that it is this small 
portion that proves noxious. Often that which remains 
in the stomach or other organs is harmless, but is liable to 
be reabsorbed into the circulation and become active. 

In case of death it is a common mistake to attribute the 
cause of death to the amount of poison found in the stom- 
ach, when in fact it has no direct connection with the 
fatal result, this being caused by the absorbed portion 
only. Hence in the treatment of a case of poisoning it is 
important that elimination of the poison be complete. 

Classification of Poisons —According to chemistry, 
are either organic or inorganic, the organic including 
vegetable poisons and some animal secretions, the inor- 
ganic including minerals, many acids and the alkalies. 

The classification of most benefit is according to action. 
If the action of a poison is known the nature of the poison 
is known, and this i» essential to be able to administer 
treatment intelligently. 

According to action all poisons may be divided into two 
classes: 

1. Irritants, which act by causing local irritation: 
including pure irritants not chemically destructive, as 
arsenic; and corrosives, which destroy tissue chemically, 
as mineral acids. The effects of irritants are nausea, 
vomiting, purging, pain in the abdomen, cramps in the 
stomach and other parts of the body; the matters vomited 
and purged being at times mixed with blood. 

2. Neurotics, so named on account of their specific 
action on the nervous centres; these may be divided into 
narcotics, which cause little or no irritation, as opium: 



TOXICOLOGY. 549 

and acronarcotics, which cause irritation and a neurotic 
effect also, as aconite. The symptoms are altogether dis- 
tinct from those of irritants, being drowsiness, dizziness, 
headache, delirium, stupor, coma, and sometimes convul- 
sions and paralysis. 

A knowledge of the evidences of poisoning constitutes a 
very important part to the toxicologist, or those called upon 
to administer treatment in a case of poisoning, or one ol 
suspected poisoning. These evidences comprise: (1) those 
derived from the symptoms; (2) those obtained from post- 
mortem appearances; (3) those afforded by chemical analy- 
sis: (4) circumstantial evidences; (5) sometimes those 
obtained by experiments on animals. Attention will be 
given here only to the first and second of these divisions, 
as they are the only two that the general practitioner is 
likely to use very much, the others requiring experts; as 
for the second, the investigator must be an expert anato- 
mist and pathologist; for the third, an expert chemist; 
the fourth is best to be left to legal authorities; the fifth 
is rarely ever used and probably would need the combined 
efforts and testimonies of all those used in the preceding 
divisions. 

While the evidences afforded by symptoms constitute a 
very important factor in the diagnosis of poisoning, they 
alone can never be sufficient to establish the fact, but often 
furnish a very strong presumption. 

There are no characteristic symptoms of any poison; if 
this were the case there would be no need of a chemical 
analysis to decide the case. To this there may be almost 
an exception in poisoning from the strong mineral acids 
and alkalies, the local caustic action being so apparent. 

As most poisons produce their effects very soon after 
administration, probably within one hour, some almost 
immediately, the first point to n< tice is the sudden occur- 
rence of violent symptoms, especially in a perfectly healthy 
person soon after taking food or drink. 

If poison be given, as it is in some cases, in small quan- 
tities and at intervals, the symptoms may come on so 
gradually that they may readily be mistaken for disease. 

The physician should be very careful about mentioning 
a suspicion of criminal poisoning, if he has such, until he 
has thoroughly investigated the case by analysis, etc. A 
suspicion is strengthened if several persons are suddenly 
seized with the same severe symptoms after partaking of 



550 TOXICOLOGY. 

the same food or drink. Even here it might be that some 
disease, as cholera, especially if cholera be prevalent, 
would almost simultaneously attack several persons of the 
same family. Suppose tha.t from two to five hours have 
elapsed since any food or drink have been taken, without 
any effect ensuing, any suspicious symptoms coming up are 
probably due to some other cause than poisoning. The 
time of the occurrence of symptoms, in relation to any par- 
ticular meal or partaking of any drinks, is a fact of especial 
importance in forming an opinion when poisoning is sus- 
picioned. 

From what has been said about the symptoms of poison- 
ing it will be observed that it will be difficult to distin- 
guish at times between the symptoms of disease and 
symptoms of poisoning. The disorders whose symptoms 
most simulate irritant poisoning are cholera morbus, ma- 
lignant cholera, gastro-enteritis, peritonitis, ulceration of 
the stomach and bowels, and strangulated hernia. 

Those most resembling neurotic poisoning are apoplexy, 
epilepsy, inflammation of the brain, tetanus and certain 
heart diseases. A knowledge of the above facts should 
pui the physician upon his guard against too hastily 
deciding that a case is poisoning from the symptoms alone. 
or that the symptoms are due to some disease, when in 
fact they may be the result of poisoning. 

Irritants. — In the consideration of poisons separately, 
those of most importance only will be given and treated of 
as briefly as will be consistent with the scope of this ai ti- 
de. (The means used to detect the poisons in the organs 
or tissues being omitted. For these tests reference to 
some standard chemical text-book is advised.) Irritants 
being considered first, and of this class first pure irritants. 

Arsenic. — When speaking of poisoning from arsenic, 
arsenious oxide or white arsenic is always meant, unless 
otherwise designated. This form is sometimes improperly 
called arsenious acid, on account of its power to combine 
with alkalies; the acid reaction is very slight. 

Arsenic is one of the most important of all the poisons, 
on account of its being easily procured and easily adminis- 
tered without being detected. Poisoning often occurs by 
accident from some of the preparations in common use, 
as "rough on rats," anilin red, etc.; also from some wall 
papers, the coloring matter containing arsenic; this is 
especially dangerous should there be several layers of 



TOXICOLOGY. 551 

cheap paper on a wall, which is ofteD the case, in a damp 
basement. Arsenic is slightly soluble in cold w^ter, and a 
little more freely so in boiling water. Its solubility is 
much increased by the addition of an acid or alkali. It is 
easily held in suspension in tea, coffee, milk or soups, and 
can readily be mixed with foods without detection. 

In large amounts it is said to have a sweetish rough 
taste, but in small amounts is likely not to be appreciable 
to the taste. 

Symptoms. — The rapidity with which these occur de- 
pends somewhat on the form in which the poison is taken 
and the condition of the person taking the poison; the 
most favorable conditions are, the poison to be in solution 
and taken on an empty stomach. 

As a rule the symptoms will occur in from half an hour 
to one hour. There will be, first, faintness, with a con- 
stricted feeling of the throat, thirst, nausea, and a burn- 
ing pain in the stomach increased by pressure; vomiting 
sDon follows, the matter being variously colored but rarely 
streaked with blood; purging with tenesmus comes on; 
cramps in the legs are apt to follow, with great depression, 
cold sweat, intense thirst, and feeble rapid pulse. 

This has been mistaken for a severe case of cholera mor- 
bus. 

The symptoms are usually continuous, although occa- 
sionally there are remissions or even intermissions. 

Coma, paralysis and convulsions may supervene death. 
If the patient recovers from the present attack he may 
suffer for a long time from indigestion, partial paralysis or 
epilepsy. Symptoms of chronic poisoning usually result 
from small doses frequently taken, exposure to arsenical 
vapors, or inhalation of a:senk-al dust from wall papers. 
The eyes and mucous membrane of the nose become 
inflamed and watery, great gastric distress with frequent 
nausea and vcmitiug, diarrhoea, headache, jaundiced skin, 
an eczematous eruption, local paralysis, general emacia- 
tion, falling out of the hair, excoriation of mouth and 
tongue, and death may occur from exhaustion. These 
symptoms are frequently very obscure and the real cause 
may not be discovered. 

Two grains may be considered the minimum fatal dose 
for the adult; smaller quantities have produced alarming 
symptoms, and recoveries have taken place after one or 
two ounces have been taken. 



552 TOXICOLOGY. 

If death takes place from acute poisoning, it will usually 
be within twenty-four hours. 

Post- Mortem Appearances. — The irritant character of 
the poison is well shown by the mucous lining of the stom- 
ach being highly inflamed, sometimes so uniformly as to 
present the appearance of red velvet; in other cases there 
will be patches of dark redness; sometimes there will be a 
thickened and corrugated condition of the membrane, and 
frequently white spots of arsenious oxide are found 
between the rugae, and when quite a long interval has 
elapsed before the examination, yellow stains may be 
found as the result of decomposition into the yellow sul- 
phide. Whether the arsenic has been administered by the 
stomach, through the lungs, by ointments or lotions, or 
any other source, the same effect is produced on the stom- 
ach, showing that arsenic has a specific action on the 
stomach, the degree of intensity usually varying in accord- 
ance with the amount taken, time elapsed before examina- 
tion, condition of the patient, etc. This same condition 
extends to the intestines, only in a less degree. 

Treatment . — If vomiting does not exist from the effect 
of the poison an emetic should be given at once. Myrica 
compound and lobelia taken in large amounts ol warm 
demulcent drinks, oil and lime water equal parts, or hot 
greasy water at intervals; any of these are good. If vom- 
iting exists, it should be encouraged by the above means, 
afterwards giving a large dose of castor oil to thoroughly 
evacuate the bowels. 

If a stomach pump is at hand it will be useful in remov- 
ing the unabsoFbed poison. If the patient is seen soon 
after taking the poison the above means vigorously applied 
will probably save the patient, but if not seen early, death 
is very likely to occur. 

After being satisfied that the unabsorbed poison has 
been removed, a soothing yet sustaining course of treat- 
ment will need to be employed, and for a while at least it 
will be best to administer this mostly by the rectum. 

Antimony.— The only preparation of antimony of much 
toxicological importance is tartar emetic (antimonii et 
patassag tartras). This is in the form of large colorless 
crystals, or in white powder. Poisoning is most likely to 
occur by accident, as the agent is not certain enough in 
its effects to warrant its use by the murderer or felo de se. 

Symptoms.— A harsh metallic taste is first experienced. 



TOXICOLOGY. 553 

soon followed by nausea and violent vomiting which con- 
tinues sometimes after the poison has all been ejected, on 
account of the local irritation in the stomach. There is 
great thirst, constriction of the throat, burning pain in 
the stomach and abdomen, purging often violent; some- 
times blood is found in both discharges from the bowels 
and stomach; cramps in the extremities, a feeble rapid 
pulse, profuse perspiration, with a tendency to syncope. 
The urine is generally increased in quantity and voided 
with pain. 

Occasionally, if the patient survives three or four days, 
there is a pustular eruption over the body, similar to that 
produced by the external application of ointments con- 
taining antimony. 

A slight corrosive action is sometimes manifested by 
aphthous ulcerations of the tongue and inside of the 
mouth. 

Besides acting as an irritant to the gastro- intestinal 
tract it exerts a depressant effect upon the heart. 

Fatal Dose —This has not been determined very accu- 
rately and cannot be on account of the emetic properties 
of the agent; two grains have produced fatal effects, while 
as much as one ounce has failed to destroy life; in such 
cases vomiting occurs so quickly that the poison is removed 
before effects are produced sufficient to cause death. Prob- 
ably fifteen to forty grains may be considered a minimum 
fatal dose for an adult. 

Fatal Period. — This is also uncertain: it may be in a 
few hours, or it may be in several days. 

Chronic Poisoning.— This occurs by giving small doses 
at intervals and has occurred several times. The main 
symptoms being great nausea with vomiting, diarrhoea, 
often followed by constipation, frequent feeble pulse, loss 
of appetite, emaciation, difficult breathing, coldness of 
the skin with clammy perspiration, increased urination, 
and finally death from complete exhaustion. 

Post-Mortem Appearances — The lining membrane of 
the stomach and bowels is deeply reddened, softened and 
covered with a blackish, thick, viscid secretion; the con- 
tents of the stomach is of a dark brownish color, sometimes 
streaked with blood. The throat and esophagus, stomach 
and intestines also sometimes exhibit aphthous looking 
spots. The brain and its membranes have been found 
congested and the lungs are generally congested. 



554 TOXICOLOGY. 

Treatment. — Vomiting should be promoted with warm 
mucilaginous drinks; also give infusions of some vegetable 
astringents, as tannic acid, myrica, oak bark, green tea, 
which produces an insoluble tannate of antimony in water, 
' and thus suspends the operation of the poison; but this is 
easily soluble in vegetable acids and must be removed by 
emetics or the stomach pump. It is stated that the use- 
fulness of these antidotes is denied by some. The after 
treatment must meet the irritated and depressed condi- 
tion by being soothing and stimulating, and can probably 
be best given in a vehicle of a mucilaginous character and 
partly, at least, by the rectum. 

Mercuric Chloride (Corrosive Sublimate). — This occurs 
either in heavy crystal ine masses or white powder; is solu- 
ble in about thirteen parts cold, or three of boiling water. 
Alcohol and ether dissolve it more freely, and ether has 
the power of extracting it from its aqueous solution. 

Si/mjjtotns.—The^e usually come on immediately after 
taking the poison. There is a very strong acrid, metallic 
taste, often described as a coppery taste, followed by a 
sense of heat and choking in the throat, which soon devel- 
ops into a fierce burning pain from the mouth to the 
stomach. There is nausea with vomiting of a stringy 
white mucous, often streaked with blood; usually pain in 
the abdomen, which is also swollen; purging which is 
sometimes streaked with blood and of a mucous character, 
accompanied with tenesmus. The pulse is small, feeble 
and irregular, becoming scarcely perceptible if the symp- 
toms progress. Tongue white and shriveled; skin cold 
and clammy; respiration difficult; intense thirst; urine 
scanty or suppressed; silivation may occur, but is not a 
constant symptom. The external application of the poi- 
son will produce the same symptoms as when swallowed 

Chronic Poisoninj.— This usually comes from small 
doses taken at intervals. There is loss of appetite, colicky 
pains, foetid breath, soreness of the gums, increase of sali- 
vary secretion, diarrhoea, weakness and emaciation. 

Salivation nearly always occurs from chronic poisoning; 
but it must not be concluded because there is salivation 
that poisoning from corrosive sublimate exists, for many 
other drugs will cause the same symptom. A chemical 
examination of the saliva for mercury will decide this. 

Fatal Dose. — Three grains have proved fatal, and recov- 
ery has occurred when an ounce has been taken. The 



TOXICOLOGY. 555 

circumstances under which it was taken have been such 
as to cause these \aried results and make it impossible to 
arrive at any definite conclusions as to the size of the fatal 
dose. 

Fatal Period. — This also varies much, but will probably 
be found to occur in the majority of cases in from one to 
five days. 

Post -Mortem Appearances.— These are usually confined 
to the alimentary tract; the mouth, throat and esophagus 
are often softened and of a white or grayish color. The 
intestines often exhibit the same appearance. 

Treatment — Promote vomiting by the use of warm 
water in large amounts, at the same time giving albumen 
as found in eggs, the whites being best. In the absence of 
eggs, glutin from wheat flour in the form of a paste may 
be freely given. Milk in a decoction of linseed and warm 
water has proven very beneficial. While albumen converts 
the drug into an insoluble albuminate, the object sought 
is to get it all removed from the stomach. 

Oxalic Acid is in the form of colorless, odorless crystals. 
very much like epsom salt, and is a very powerful poison. 
Poisoning usually takes place by accident or with suicidal 
intention. 

Symptoms. — These differ very much: in some cases 
where a large amount— from half to one ounce of the crys- 
tals dissolved in water — has been taken, death has taken 
place so quickly that there was no chance for the symp- 
toms to be observed by a physician. There is an intensely 
sour taste, followed by a burning sensation from the mouth 
to the stomach; violent pain in the abdomen, increased by 
pressure; constriction of the throat almost to suffocation; 
vomiting of greenish-brown or black matter. If the 
patient lives, purging of a similar character sets in. Fol- 
lowing these symptoms there is a rapid feeble pulse, hur- 
ried respiration, intense thirst, cramps and numbness of 
the extremities, general prostration, delirium and convul- 
sions. 

This drug, besides being an irritant proper, in large 
doses exerts decided corrosive effects, and under all circum- 
stances produces a decided effect on the nervous system 
and a depressant action on the heart. If much diluted 
the symptoms do not. occur so quickly and are not of such 
a severe character. 

Fatal Dose. — Half an ounce to an ounce mav be consid- 



556 TOXICOLOGY. 

ered a fatal dose for an adult, although much less has 
proved fatal; and recovery has taken place when larger 
amounts have been used. 

Fatal Period.— This depends very much on the size and 
concentration of the dose; probably the majority of cases 
prove fatal in one hour. It is reported that death has 
ensued in three minutes, and often in ten minutes. 

Post- Mortem Appe/irances.— The mucous membrane of 
the mouth, throat and esophagus are usually white, shriv- 
eled and easily removed; it may be covered with the dark- 
brownish matter from the stomach. The stomach, which 
is somewhat contracted, contains an intensely acid, brown, 
gelatinous fluid. 

If death has taken place rapidly, or if it has been delayed, 
these appearances are liable to some variation. The intes- 
tines will probably not show much change, unless death 
has been delayed, and then only of an inflamed character. 

Treatment. — This must be prompt. It is not best to 
use much water by itself, as it will aid in the further ab- 
sorption of the poison; but chalk and magnesia should be 
mixed with it, or better with milk; these act as antidotes. 
Scrapings from whitewashed ceilings are good, also lime- 
water and oil. The alkalies, potash and soda, and their 
carbonates, should not be administered, as they produce 
compounds, with the acid, more poisonous than the acid. 

Corrosive Irritants. — If this class of agents be given in 
a much diluted form the corrosive properties are generally 
lost. This then would seem to be only a difference of 
degree rather than of kind, between pure and corrosive 
irritants; but if those agents already mentioned are admin- 
istered in either large or small, diluted or undiluted doses, 
the action is never corrosive but purely irritant, with the 
exceptions mentioned: hence the division of irritants. 

Carbolic Acid (Phenic Acid, Phenol) is a product of 
distillation of coal-tar. When pure it is in white crystals, 
and if exposed to light for some time acquires a reddish 
tinge. 

It is soluble in water, but more so in alcohol, ether or 
glycerol. It has a peculiar creosote-like odor, and is some- 
times called coal-tar creosote. If taken in an undiluted 
state it is a very energetic corrosive, and also produces 
neurotic effects. Poisoning from this acid is of common 
occurrence, being generally by accident, or with suicidal 
intention. 



TOXICOLOGY. 557 

Symptoms. — There is intense burning pain in the 
mouth, throat and stomach; pupils contracted; conjunc- 
tiva insensible to the touch; skin cold and clammy; pulse 
weak and irregular; respiration labored and finally becom- 
ing stertorous; vomiting of a frothy mucous sometimes 
occurs; the mouth is white, and often hardened from the 
caustic action. Coma usually precedes death. The urine 
has been shown often to be of an olive-green color. Many 
of these symptoms have been produced by the external 
application, especially to denuded surfaces. Death has 
occurred within ten minutes after swallowing the acid, 
but usually will be after an hour or more. 

The amount taken, from which death has occurred, has 
been from half an ounce to an ounce: but a much less 
quantity would surely prove fatal; dangerous symptoms 
have occurred from a few drops or grains. 

Post-Mortem Appearances. — The mouth and esopha- 
gus are usually white, soft and corroded; but may be 
hardened and wrinkled. The stomach has been found in 
the same condition; the odor of carbolic acid will be de- 
tected in the stomach and even in other viscera. The 
lungs are usually engorged with blood: the left ventricle 
is usually contracted, the right flaccid. The blood is uni- 
formly dark colored and fluid. 

Treatment.— Promote vomiting by using warm demul- 
cent drinks with olive oil and castor oil. A solution of 
soap may also be given. Slaked lime with three times its 
weight of sugar, rubbed together with a little water, or 
sodium sulphate may be given as antidotes. Never use 
the stomach pump. To avoid collapse, stimulants need to 
be given. 

The Mineral Acids. — Sulphuric, nitric and hydrochloric 
produce effects very similar, and the treatment that an- 
swers for one will answer alike for all: and may be consid- 
ered at the same time, by mentioning a few differences in 
the physical properties, and some points that may enable 
a differentiation to be made, without chemical analysis, 
should it be known that one of these acids had been used 
and not positively which one. 

Sulphuric Acid, is a heavy, oily liquid, colorless when 
pure, but as generally seen has d light brownish color. If 
any of the acid gets on the lips, fingers or clothes, the 
color is changed to red. and afterwards becomes brownish. 






558 TOXICOLOGY. 

By applying ammonia, if the stain is not of too long 
standing, the original color will be restored. 

Nitric Acid is a fuming liquid, colorless when pure, but 
as found in commerce is generally of a light orange color. 
If this acid comes in contact with the clothes or skin, 
they are changed very quickly to a yellow color, and if 
ammonia be applied to these spots the original color will 
not be restored. 

Hydrochloric Acid when pure is a colorless gas. the 
liquid being formed by passing the gas into water. This 
solution is usually of alight yellowish color 

Applied to dark cloth or the skin, the color is changed 
to a bright red and will be restored by ammonia. After 
some days the color of the cloth will be reddish brown. 

Poisoning has occurred most frequently from sulphuric 
and nitric acid, and nearly always from accident or suicid- 
al intentions. 

Symuioms.— These are manifested immediately after 
the acid is swallowed, by a burning in the mouth and 
throat, with intense pain in the stomach, attended with 
constant vomiting of a brownish or blackish matter, often 
mixed with blood and detached shreds of mucous mem- 
brane. 

The ejected matters are very acid and if they should 
come in contact with marble will cause effervescence. 
Thirst is intense. The pulse is small and weak, the skin 
cold and clammy, respiration difficult, countenance express- 
ive of great anxiety and suffering; the mouth is excori- 
ated, the lips stained and shriveled; if the acid should be 
poured far back in the throat, the mouth and lips may 
escape the corrosive action. 

Death takes place sometimes without the acid reaching 
the stomach; here the force is spent on the glottis and 
death occurs very quickly by suffocation. 

The period of death varies from a few hours to weeks or 
months. 

The mental faculties usually remain clear until near 
death. 

The fatal dose is very much dependent on whether the 
stomach be full or empty, or whether the acid be full 
strength or diluted. If the stomach is full of food, the 
acid will become mixed with the food and the effect will 
be exerted on the food, to the saving of the living struct- 
ures. The amounts, as near as could be determined, that 



TOXICOLOGY. 559 

have proven fatal, have been from one dram up, for an 
adult. 

Post- Mortem Appearances.— The mucous membrane 
of the mouth and tongue are shriveled and eroded; the 
color may be brownish, yellowish or whitish; generally 
yellowish in the case of nitric acid. The mucous mem- 
brane of the esophagus is corroded and easily detached in 
long shreds. 

The stomach is generally contracted, often perforated 
and containing a dark thickened fluid, sometimes of a 
yellowish appearance. 

The intestines are likely to be inflamed, unless death 
has taken place very quickly. If the contents of the stom- 
ach have escaped, through perforation, into the abdominal 
cavity, the peritoneum will be much inflamed, and dark 
effused blood will also be found. 

Treatment. — This must be administered promptly to be 
of any benefit, especially if undiluted acid has been taken 
on an empty stomach, A solution of baking soda is proba- 
bly the best antidote, some objections are raised to alka- 
line carbonates because C O2 is set free and will likely 
distend the stomach, this is of minor importance compared 
with the destructiveness of the acid. 

Magnesia and chalk in water are good, a solution of soap, 
which is always easily obtained, may be used with benefit, 
if flaxseed tea, barley water or oil can be procured to ad- 
minister these remedies in, it will also be of benefit. The 
stomach pump should never be used. 

Alkalies. — Ammonium Hydrate is the only alkali that 
will receive attention here. Potassium and Sodium Hy- 
drate are less powerful than ammonia and the treatment 
employed for poisoning is the same in each case as the 
effects are practically the same. Ammonia is a gas, it is 
very soluble in water, and this solution forms the ammo- 
nium hydrate, (aqua ammonia) or as usually termed, am- 
monia of common use. The effects on the tissues are sim- 
ilar to those produced by the mineral acids, being very 
caustic in the concentrated form. Poisoning usually occurs 
by accident; the incautious use of the vapor to resuscitate 
those in a state of syncope has proven fatal. 

Symptoms:— In the concentrated form, ammonia causes 
an acrid nauseous taste, followed by a burning sensation 
from the mouth to the stomach: severe abdominal pain, 
increased by pressure: vomiting of mucous matters, streak- 



560 TOXICOLOGY. 

ed with blood; purging, with tenesmus; difficult swallow- 
ing, hoarseness and coughing. The pulse is quick and feeble 
the countenance anxious; respiration rapid and difficult. 
Death may ensue in a few hours, or not for several months; 
if postponed for several months, the fatal result is gen- 
erally due to some secondary cause, as constriction of the 
esophagus or pylorus, causing starvation. 

Fatal Dose:— As with the acids it is difficult to determ- 
ine this, it probably depends more upon the degree of con- 
centration than upon the amount swallowed. Two drachms 
of strong ammonia have proven fatal, and recovery has 
taken place from larger amounts. 

Post- Mortem Appearances: — The lining membrane of 
the mouth, throat and stomach are in a corroded and soften- 
ed condition. The mucous membrane of the stomach is 
often blackened from effused blood and may be entirely 
destroyed. 

The larynx and bronchi are very apt to be inflamed. 

Treatment:— Diluted vinegar or lemon juice should he 
given freely at once, followed by olive oil, milk, barley- 
water, gruel or albumen. 

After the poison is neutralized, if collapse occurs, give 
stimulation by the rectum. 

Never use the stomach pump. 

Neurotics. — Narcotics. — Opium is a milky exudation 
from the unripe capsules of the poppy [papaver somlfe- 
rum) rendered concrete and dark colored by exposure to 
air. The different preparations give rise to almost as 
many cases of poisoning as all other poisons together, and 
recoveries are more frequent from this kind of poisoning. 

The only important poisonous properties, from a medico- 
legal view, are due to the alkaloid, morphin, with meconic 
acid. 

Opium is not generally used for poisoning, but usually 
some of its preparations; probably the most common being 
tincture of opium [laudanum) and morphin. It is well to 
remember that, especially in large cities, many cases of 
poisoning of children occur from "soothing syrups" con- 
taining some preparation of opium; also that laudanum as 
procured from the drug stores is not of uniform strength. 

Symptoms. — If the dose is large, but not so large as to 
be fatal, there will be first general excitement shown by 
increased fullness and frequency of the pulse, flushed face, 
brilliancy of the eyes, and increased activity of the brain. 



TOXICOLOGY. 561 

ThK is soon followed by calm repose and profound sleep. 
As the amount of opium is increased this stage is short- 
ened and the more soporific effects manifest themselves 
sooner. They consist in giddiness drowsiness, strong 
tendency to sleep, stupor, which finally ends in profound 
coma, the person lying motionless with eyes closed as if in 
a sound sleep. In this stage, before coma, the patient 
may be aroused by a loud noise, but will speedily i elapse 
into stupor. When the stage of coma supervenes it will 
probably be impossible to arouse them; the pulse will be" 
come weak, respiration slow and stertorous: skin warm 
and bathed in perspiration, finally cold and clammy: coun- 
tenance pale and ghastly. 

The pupils are usually contracted, and insensible to 
light; this symptom, together with those already given, is 
considered diagnostic of opium poisoning. 

Sometimes there is vomiting, and if this should occur 
before stupor sets in, will give great hope of recovery. 
Convulsions sometimes occur before death: these are more 
commonly met with in children. The symptoms will usu- 
ally commence in from ha:f an hour to an hour. If a fuil 
dose iu a liquid form is taken on an empty stomach, the 
effects will appear in a few minutes: and if taken in a 
solid form on a full stomach, the effects may not appear 
for four or five hours. It is said that intoxication tends 
to postpone the appearance of the symptoms. Sometimes 
there will be a partial remission of the symptoms, and the 
patient gives signs of recovery; bat a recurrence follows 
whicn terminates in death. 

Fat-til Dose. — This varies considerably, the circum- 
stances under which it is taken influencing this to a 
greater or less degree. Four or five grains may be regarded 
as the minimum fatal dose for an adult, and probably two 
dram- of the tincture. 

Recoveries have taken piace from twenty grains of opi- 
um and one ounce of the tincture. The confirmed opium 
eater is not taken into account here. 

Children are peculiarly susceptible to the effects of this 
poison; in very young infants death has resulted from two 
drops of laudanum, and they may become narcotized by 
the milk of a nurse who has taken opium. 

Fatal Per iod. --The average duratio t of a fatal case is 
from six to twelve hours: the extremes being three-quar- 



562 



TOXICOLOGY. 



ters of an hour for the shortest, and probably fifty-six 
hours for the longest period. 

Post- Mortem Appearances. — These are neither certain 
nor characteristic. The vessels of the brain are usually 
congested; sometimes the lungs are congested. The blood 
is generally fluid. Upon opening the body the odor of 
opium may be detected. 

Treatment. — The first object to be accomplished is to 
remove the poison from the stomach; the best means of 
doing this is by the stomach pump. The stomach should 
be washed out thoroughly; this prevents a further absorp- 
tion of the poison. If a stomach pump is not to be had, 
emetics must be resorted to. Give freely of warm mustard 
water, or lobelia compound with serpentaria. If the pa- 
tient cannot or will not swallow (which is sometimes the 
case), lose no tme in giving the emetic by enema. If the 
patient has lapsed into the lethargic state, shocks of elec- 
tricity to the head and spine are very beneficial to assist 
in rousing them; slapping the palms of the hands, soles of 
the feet, and the back, are also very successful. A very 
common and useful way of keeping an adult from lapsing 
entirely into the lethargic state is by having them walk 
constantly between two attendants; also by dashing cold 
water over the face and chest. In the case of an infant, 
one of the best ways is to plunge them into warm water 
and then swing them through the cool air. All means 
employed must be persisted in vigorously. 

Hydrocyanic Acid (Prussic Acid).— This is one of the 
most unerring and rapidly fatal poisons known. 

The pure acid is not likely to be met with out of the 
laboratory: there are two varieties which are frequently 
the cause of death, and are simply solutions of the pure 
acid in water: (1) The official acid should be two per cent.: 
and (2) Scheele's acid about five per cent; these are ex- 
tremely liable to vary in strength. This acid may be 
obtained from many plants, as the kernels of the peach, 
apricot, plum and cherry, pips of apples, leaves of the 
peach, and cherry-laurel, and from bitter almonds. Prus- 
sic acid does not pre exist in these vegetable substances, 
but is the product of chemical action. This acid is a color- 
less, limpid liquid, very volatile, and has the odor of bitter 
almonds. The vapor of the anhydrous acid if inhaled w r ill 
cause death very quickly, and even the dilute will cause 



TOXICOLOGY. 563 

serious symptoms. The dilute acid is also colorless and 
retains the odor of bitter almonds. 

Symptoms — These will vary some with the size of the 
dose. When a large dose (half an ounce to an ounce) of the 
diluted acid is taken, the symptoms may appear during 
the act of swallowing, or in a few seconds thereafter, and 
it is rare that their appearance is delayed longer than one 
or two minutes. They have been described (and even 
death from the pure acid) as ''lightning like." 

There is immediate loss of muscular power; the patient 
will fall and becomes insensible; respiration is hurried and 
gasping, later becoming slower and sobbing, or convulsive. 
The pulse is imperceptible: the eyes protruding, glisten- 
ing, pupils dilated and insensible to light. The jaws are 
fixed; there is frothing at the mouth; skin cold and clam- 
my; involuntary evacuations of the bladder and bowels 
may occur; death sometimes takes place in convulsions, or 
may be preceded by coma, with stertorous breathing. This 
last symptom may easily lead to a mistaken diagnosis for 
apoplexy. 

Fatal Dose.— The minimum fatal quantity of the offi- 
cial acid may be taken to be about fifty minims, or twenty 
minims of Scheele's acid. This is equal to about nine- 
tenths of a grain of pure acid, from which death ha; 
occurred. Recovery has taken place from one dram of 
Scheele's acid, equivalent to 2.4 grains of anhydrous acid. 

Fatal Period— -Death occurs almost instantly from the 
anhydrous acid, and varies when the solutions are taken, 
according to the size of the dose: probably from two min- 
utes to half an hour will include nearly all cases. One or 
two cases have lived for an hour; but if the patient sur- 
vives for an hour there is much hope for recovery. 

Post-Mortem Appearances --The skin is usually livid, 
but may be pale; the lips blue; jaws set, with froth around 
the mouth, sometimes bloody: the eyes are often glisten- 
ing and staring, with the pupils dilated. 

The blood is dark colored and fluid; the lungs, liver, 
spleen and kidneys are congested; the stomach is usually 
natural, but the mucous membrane at the cardiac extrem- 
ity may be reddened. The presence of the peculiar odor 
of the acid is very conclusive evidence that prussic acid 
has been taken. It may be noticed in recent cases even 
before the body ijs opened, and will be very noticeable upon 
opening the aldomen. thorax and even the biain: and 



564 TOXICOLOGY. 

especially so when the stomach is opeDed. If the body has 
lain lor some time exposed, owing to the acid being so 
volatile the odor may have entirely disappeared, or it may 
be concealed by other odors. 

In cases of suicide the vessel from which the poison was 
taken will nearly always be found close by. 

Treatment. — In most cases treatment is of no avail, but 
a trial should always be made, if the patient is still alive 
when first seen. Dashing cold water over the face and 
chest, and letting it fall on the spine from a few feet, have 
proven successful in a few cases; inhalation of ammonia at 
the same time is also beneficial. If the power of swallow- 
ing is not lost (which usually is, however), large doses of 
lobelia compound will be of service. This may be given 
by the rectum also. 

Aero- Narcotics — Aconite. From A con it um Napellus 
(Monk's-hood or Wolf's-bane).— This agent in the form of a 
tincture is very often found in the household ,and used as 
a remedy to "break up" fevers. There is considerable 
variation in the strength of different specimens, and what 
might be considered a "safe" dose of one preparation may 
not be so of another preparation The root has been mis. 
taken for horseradish. 

On account of these facts, accidental poisoning has often 
occurred from this drug, and if poisoning does occur it is 
nearly always by accident or with suicidal intentions 
The poisonous property is due to the alkaloid aconitin. 

Symptoms.— These usually appear in a few minutes to 
an hour. There is dryness of the throat first, accompanied 
with tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation of the 
lips, tongue and throat; pain in the abdomen, with nausea 
and vomiting. The tingling and numbness extend to all 
parts of the body; there is loss of power to walk, and some- 
times the patient is paralyzed, but retains consciousness. 
There is vertigo, dimness of vision, ringing in the ears, 
sometimes deafness, frothing at the mouth, a sense of con- 
striction in the throat: a peculiar weight and enlargement 
of different parts of the body is often complained of, and 
especially of the face and ears. The pulse becomes slow 
and feeble, breathing difficult, skin cold and clammy, pu- 
pils dilated, and features 'blanched. 

The menial faculties are usually retained until the last: 
there is sometimes delirium and convulsions. Death is 



TOXICOLOGY. 565 

generally sudden and may occur from shock, asphyxia or 
syncope. 

Fatal Dose. — This is undetermined owing to the varia- 
tion in the strength of different preparations. Deaths 
have occurred from probably not more than one-half a 
dram, and serious symptoms produced from five or six 
drops of the stronger preparations. Aconitin the alkaloid 
is extremely poisonous, and one-fiftieth of a grain has pro- 
duced very alarming conditions, and one-tenth of a grain 
may be considered as a fatal dose. This preparation is 
often inert. 

Fatal Period.— Death will generally occur in one or 
two hours, and in most cases within four hours; and if 
prolonged beyond this time the chances of recovery may be 
considered more favorable. After death general conges- 
tion of the venous system, and especially of the brain and 
lungs will be noticed. 

Treatment. — The stomach should be emptied at once, 
the stomach pump being the most suitable means by 
which to accomplish this: but, in the absence of this 
means a quick, thorough, stimulating and astringing 
emetic must be resorted to. For this, large doses ol lobelia 
compound, with myrica compound and myrica or tannin 
are very reliable. Myrica compound (Thomson's) will 
answer with the lobelia compound. 

In case of asphyxiation from paralysis of the respiratory 
muscles, artificial respiration will be beneficial. If some 
time has elapsed since the poison was taken, and it is 
probable that most of it is absorbed, even if vomiting has 
occurred a very stimulating emetic will still be of service. 

Nux Vomica is obtained from the seed of the stryclmos 
nux vomica, and is a very important poison. The small- 
est fatal dose of powder is probably about thirty grains 
(this is about the weight of one seed) and of the alcoholic 
extract three grains. Nux vomica contains two alkaloids, 
strychnia and brucin, which are powerful poisons. 

The symptoms produced by nux vomica and the two 
alkaloids are practically the same. Strychnin being the 
most powerful and the most frequently met with, will be 
the one chosen for consideration. While tests have not 
been referred to, the color test for strychnin is so delicate 
it deserves special mention, and should poisoning lrom 
strychuin be suspected, and should the color test (which 
will not be described) be applied and not give the charac- 



566 



TOXICOLOGY. 



teristic reactions, the other alkaloid, brucin, should be 
tested for, which does not give the characteristic color 
test for strychnin From a medico-legal stand-point this 
may be of much importance. 

Strychnin.— This alkaloid, as already said, is found in 
strychnos nux vomica, and is usually prepared from this 
variety. It is a white or grayish white powder, of a pecul- 
iarly intensely bitter taste, slightly soluble in water, but 
communicating to it the peculiar bitter taste: soluble in 
rectified boiling spirit, and in chloroform, but not in abso- 
lute alcohol or ether. 

This drug is a frequent cause of poisoning, and has 
gained a fatal notoriety. Poisoning is either accidental, 
homicidal or suicidal; the latter is probably the more fre- 
quent way. 

Symptoms.— The action of this drug seems to be mostly 
on the spinal cord. If taken in solution, the intensely 
bitter taste will be at once noticed, and there is also a hot 
sensation produced in the throat, soon followed (usually 
in from ten to twenty«minutes) by a feeling of restlessness, 
and a sense of suffocation and great difficulty of breathing. 
Very soon twitching of the muscles and jerking of the 
head and limbs set in, suddenly followed by a violent 
tetanic convulsion which pervades the whole body; the 
legs become stiff, stretched out and widely separated, the 
feet arched and usually turned in; the arms flexed and 
tightly bent across the body, the hands clinched; the head 
is bent backwards; the body assumes a bow-like form (opis- 
thotonos), resting on the head and heels. The abdomen 
becomes tense and hard, chest spasmodically fixed and 
respiration arrested. 

The face assumes an anxious aspect, and becomes con- 
gested and livid around the lips. The muscles around the 
mouth are contracted, producing a peculiar grin, risus 
sardonicus. The eyes are prominent and staring, pupils 
dilated. The pulse is very rapid and feeble. There is 
great thirst and dryness of the throat, and if the jaws are 
not fixed, which is sometimes the case, the patient will 
call for water, and an attempt at drinking will very likely 
intensify the spasm, causing a spasmodic closure of the 
jaws and biting of the vessel, and if glass it will be broken. 
The intellect usually remains clear, even while the patient 
is experiencing the most terrific spasms, until near death, 
when consciousness is sometimes lost. The patient can 



TOXICOLOGY. 567 

nearly always apprehend the coming of a paroxysm, and 
will scream and want to be held. The special senses are 
so exceedingly acute that the slightest movement, touch 
or noise may be sufficient to produce a spasm at any time. 

These paroxysms are sometimes so violent as to jerk the 
patient out of bed. They usually last from half a minute 
to one or two minutes, but may last six or eight minutes, 
when a period of complete relaxation occurs, during which 
there is great exhaustion, and the patient is often bathed 
in perspiration; the pupils have been noticed to be con- 
tracted at this time. 

Fatal Dose.- This varies considerably, as there seems 
to be a difference as to the susceptibility to the action of 
strychnin. One-sixteenth of a grain has proven fatal to a 
small child and one-half of a grain to an adult. There 
have been recoveries from enormous doses, seven to twelve 
grains; these are exceptional. From one-half to one grain 
may be considered as a fatal dose: even this is considerable 
difference for such a violent poison. 

Fatal Period— -This varies considerably also. Death 
has taken place in ten minutes (this is after the symptoms 
have set in) and has been delayed as long as six hours. 
Most cases that terminate fatally will be within two hours. 

As a rule, if the case terminates fatally, the convulsions, 
after once being established, increase in severity and rap- 
idity until death. 

Post- Mortem Appearances. —These cannot be said to 
be characteristic. However the blood is usually fluid and 
dark, the lungs engorged, brain and spinal cord congested. 
The body is usually relaxed at the time of death, but be- 
comes rigid very soon, and in some instances this rigidity 
passes away before rigor mortis sets in, and at times 
merges into the rigor mortis. If death should take place 
during a convulsion, the patient is likely to remain in the 
state of opisthotonos. The rigor mortis is generally pro- 
longed, in some cases lasting for two months. Lividity of 
the lips, tongue, fingers and toes is frequently noticed. 

Treatment.— li the poison has entered the body by the 
stomach, which is usually the case, a thorough cleansing 
out of the stomach should be speedily accomplished; the 
best means of doing this is with the stomach pump, pro- 
vided the jaws are not already set. As the stomach pump 
is usually not available, prompt and free emesis should be 
secured, even though you think the poison is probably all 



568 TRIFOLIUM. 

absorbed. Copious draughts of warm mustard water, or 
myrica compound, lobelia and soda together should be 
given. Enemas at the same time will also aid in produc- 
ing emesis. If convulsions have set in it will be difficult 
to give even emetics by the bowel, and often any attempt 
at drinking at this time will bring on a paroxysm. It may 
be by forcibly holding the patient an enema can be given 
that will produce emesis; while the lightest touch will 
bring on the paroxysm at times, forcibly holding them will 
be of much advantage, the patient often calling for this. 
Inhalations of chloroform are of benefit. 

None but the necessary attendants should be around, 
and perfect quietness insisted upon as far as possible. 

TLUFOLIUM ARVENSE. 
Curly Clover Weed, Hare's Foot. 

An infusion of this plant is very beneficial in chronic 
cases of diarrhoea,; dysentery and watery condition of the 
bowels in cholera infantum. 

TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE. 
Red Clover. 

The blossoms gathered when in the most perfect state 
are a mild stimulating and relaxing alterant. In 
hot infusion it influences the circulation to a good capillary 
distribution. It is mildly laxative to the bowels and sooth- 
ing to the nerves. The fluid extract combined with ace- 
tous, syrup of lobelia is especially valuable in treatment of 
whooping cough in nervous children and those of scrofulous 
taint. 

The extract has a reputation as a plaster for the removal 
of cancers. It is a good wash for scaley skin and for indo- 
lent ulcers, promoting healthy granulations. 

Trifolium Prat. hi 

Stillingia Syl. 

Berberis Aqui. 

Arctium Rnd. 

Phytolacca Rad. 

Cascara Am. aa 8 

Potas. Iod. 1 

Xanthoxylum Cort. 42 

This forms a comp. Syr. Trifolium for syphilis buboes 
and suppurating glands. 



TUKNEHA. 569 

Trifolium, rumex and menispernium make a good alter- 
ative compound. 

TRILIUM ERECTUM. 

Beth Root. T. Purpureum. 

T. Sessile. 
The root is a soothing, stimulating, astringent tonic, in- 
fluencing the mucous membrane, especially that of the 
generative system. It is prompt and persistent but not 
drying. It is valuable in hemorrhages whether uterine, 
respiratory, gastric or rectal. A few doses just before the 
completion of parturition will anticipate extra hemorrhage. 
It is useful in preventing miscarriage and in female weak- 
ness a» leucoiThoea, weak vagina and prolapsus uteri. It 
may also be used in acute and chronic diarrhoea and dysen- 
tery. 

TRIOSTEUM PERFOLIATUM. 

Fever Root. 

This root is a mild tonic hepatic, valuable in all forms 
of biliousness with or without fever and in the various 
forms of dyspepsia. It is mildly laxative. 

TURNERA DIFFUSA. 

DamiaiKi. (T. Aphrodisiaca.) 

(T. Microphylla.) 
California and Mexico. 

The leaves, young shoots, flowers and seed are all used. 
In infusion it forms a refreshing beverage of lemon fra- 
grance. It is a stimulating, toning nervine. The Mexi- 
cans drink of it freely to enable them to endure hardships 
and long journeys and to protect them from disease. It 
slowly but thoroughly stimulates the brain, spinal 
cord and the sympathetic nervous system, and is very val- 
uable in debilitated conditions of the nervous system: in 
nervous prostration, paralysis and general debility. In 
such conditions we usually find an impaired digestion and 
a more or less impaired condition of the genito-urinary or- 
gans. This agent in such cases assists digestion, relieves 
constipation and stimulates the pelvic organism. 

In cases of sexual debility and impotency, spermator- 
rhoea, masturbation, prostatic troubles, enuresis, cystic 
catarrh, it slowly but positively relieves constipation, in- 



grs. 


V 




dr. 


ss 




oz. 


ii 




q. s. oz. 


iv 


in 1 


*enal 


ai 


dr. 


iv 




dr. 


i 




dr. 


iii 




q. s 


. oz. 


iv 



570 ULMUS. 

creases digestive powers, strengthens the nerves and im- 
proves the general health. 

F. E. Turnera Diff. oz. i 

Hydras. Sulph. 
Sodae Hypophos. 
Syr. Aurantium Cort. 
Aqua 
This may be used with benefit in renal and vesical troub- 
les, albuminaria, and diabetes. 
F. E. Turnera Diff. 
'• " Rhus Arom. 
•' " Phytolacca Rad. 
Syr. Zingiberis 
This is a good nervine alterant for nervous prostration, 
prostatic troubles, seminal emissions and sexual impot^ncy. 

TUSSILAGO FARFARA. 
Bulls foot. 

The root is a diffusive stimulant and relaxant. In hot 
infusion it promotes a good capillary circulation and is 
soothing to the nervous system. In suitable cough syrups 
it increases expectoration, tones the bronchi and is 
valuable in debilitated pulmonary conditions. 

ULMUS FULVA. 
Slippery Ehn. 

The inner bark forms one of the best demulcents for 
both internal and external use wherever there is an irrita- 
ted condition. In constipation, dysentery, diarrhoea or 
cholera infantum, used both per oram and rental injection 
it lubricates, soothes and relieves the intestinal irritation. 
It is a nutritious demulcent, soothing to the mucous mem- 
brane wherever needed and quieting to the nervous system 
In diphtheria after the throat has been ridded of the de- 
cayed membrane it is quite raw, also during the scaling 
process in scarlatina and measles and at times in typhoid 
fever; ulmus is then a very important agent. 

Ulmus is a good vehicle for capsicum, quinine, gentian, 
lobelia or hydrastis. 

Externally it is a superior agent combined with raw lin- 
seed oil for burns, scalds and abraded surfaces, Keep the 
surface well covered and there is nothing better. With 
lobelia it forms a good poultice for abscesses and boils. 

The ground is best for poultice, the^powdered best for 



VALERIANA. 571 

burns and the bark finely chipped for an infusion for the 
stomach. 

It is also used in the formation of pills, troches and sup- 
positions. 

URTICA DIOICA. 
.Nettle . 

The roots, leaves and tops area positive, stimulating, 
tonic astringent; a powerful arrester of hemorrhages wheth- 
er of the nose, lungs, stomach, bowels, uterus or urinary 
organs. It will also stop hemorrhages when applied locally 
and relieve painful hemorrhoids. The fluid extract when 
diluted forms a good wash for some eczemas. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener uses it for atelectasis pulmonum, he- 
maturia and asthmatic coughs. 

UVULARJA PERFOLIATA. 
Bellivort. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener uses this as a wash for wounds and cold 
sores, and as a gargle for inflamed gums and larynx. 

VACCINIUM RESINOSUM. 
Huckleberry . 

The root and bark are a gently stimulating astringent, 
influencing the mucous membrane, and useful in aphthous 
sore mouth, sore throat and leucorrhcea. In hot infusion 
it influences the circulation and assists in the arrest of 
hemorrhages. 

The berries are an excellent fruit somewhat diuretic. 

VALERIANA OFFICINALIS. 
English Valerian. 

The root has a foetid odor that lasts long and is loud. 
It is a soothing, diffusive, relaxing and stimulating ner- 
vine. It is antispasmodic and useful for relief of irritabil- 
ity of the nervous system, of hysteria, insomnia, and the 
nervousness of children. Essence of anise is frequently 
used to conceal its taste. 

F. E. Valerian dr. v 

" " Dioscorea dr. ii 

Ess. Anise dr. i 

Syr. Zingiber or Comp. Syr. Rhei and Pot. qs. oz. iv 
Use this for colic, diarrhoea and the restlessness of chil- 
dren. 

F. E. Valerian, F. E. Dioscorea. F. E. Caulophjlum and 



572 



VERBASCUM. 



Essence Anise in equal parts in syrup of Zingiber is use- 
ful in dysmenorrhea, convulsions, hysteria, colic and 
crampings. 

VERBASCUM THAPSUS. 
Mullein. 

Theleaves and flowers are a soothing relaxing and stimu- 
lating alterant, influencing the glandular, serous and mu- 
cous structures. It is a very useful agent in the treatment 
of glandular swellings, hepatization or thickening of lung 
tissue, phthisis, asthma, hay-fever, coughs, pleuritis and 
in all forms of dropsy. 
F. E. Verbascum 
ki '• Phytolacca 
" " iSambucus Flowers 
" " Gnaphalium aa dr. ii 

Syr. Simplex qs oz. iv 



F. E. Verbascum oz. ii 

Tr. Lobelia 
;i Capsicum a a. oz. i 

Give of the former for bronchitis and croupy cough, and 
apply the latter over the lungs. 

In the treatment of phlegmasia dolens use internally 
verbascum 10 and polygonum and hydrastis each 1, and 
apply equal parts of verbascum aud polygonum. 

In dysuria, with or without stricture, you will find of 
good service a hot infusion of the root. 

Externally verbascum is of much value in the treatment 
of sprains, bruises, soreness of the chest, painful chronic 
abscesses. Many inflamed and painful conditions are re- 
lieved by a hot acetous fomentation of this agent. Cover 
green or recently dried verbascum leaves with boiling vin- 
egar and allow to simmer, covered, a half hour. Then 
strain and add tr. capsicum, fld. ext. lobelia and oil sassafras 
in equal parts, q. s. according to the strength of applica- 
tion needed. This relieves painful and swollen joints. It 
scarcely ever fails to stop the pain and reduce the swell- 
ing. 



Verbascum 


oz. iv F. E. Verbascum 




Lobelia 


dr. iv Tr. Lobelia 




Capsicum 


dr. ii Oil Sassafras 


aa. oz. i 


Acetum , 


qrt. i Mix. 





Bring the former combination to the boiling point; then 



YERBASCUM. 



573 



allow to simmer covered for a half hour. Either of these 
preparations is excellent for rheumatism and stiff joints. 
F. E. Yerbascum F. E. Yerbascum oz. iii 



" Polygonum 






Tr. Capsicum 




oz. i 


Tr. Capsicum 


aa. oz 


. i 








Apply the former in 


chronic diarrhoea and 


the 


latter in 


peritonitis. 












Verbascum 






Yerbascum 






Solidago 






Cornus Flor. 






Cornus Flor. aa. € 


;qual parts. 


Hydrastis 












Kino aa. 


equal parts. 


Use an infusion of 


eithei 


• of these combinations as a 


vaginal wash. 












F. E. Yerbascum 






F. E. Yerbascu 


m 


oz. iv 


Oil Sassafras 






Tr. Capsicum 




oz. iiss 


" Peppermint 






" Lobelia 




oz. i 


Tr. Zingiber. 






Oil Origanum 




dr. ss 


" Lobelia 


aa. 


dr. ii 








Alcohol 


q. s. 


oz. iv 








Apply the former for 


periostitis and the lattei 


" to drop- 



sied limbs. 

The expressed juice of the green leaves forms an extract 
or a salve for hemorrhoids that is very beneficial. 

Dr. J. H. Smith advises the following in dysentery, to 
be used after each stool: 

F. E. Yerbascum Thap. dr. ii 

" Nepeta Cat. 

'• Cypripedium Pub. aa. dr. iii 
M. S. Half teaspoonful to half teacupful tepid water 
for enema after each stool. 

Gather the tops in bloom and subject them to heavy 
pressure. Apply this to enlarged submaxillary or other 
enlarged glands. It is also an excellent application in 
some forms of deafness. The oil can be obtained by filling 
a large bottle with the flowers. Use a cork having a hole 
in it. Invert this bottle so that the oil will drip into an- 
other bottle below. These bottles must be suspended in 
the hot sunlight. To preserve this a few drops of alco- 
hol must be added. This is splendid in otalgia, scrofulous 
ophthalmia and in enuresis; it may be given in 10 drop 
doses, or better, triturated on magnesia, 
Yerbascum Thap. oz. ss 

Hydrastis Can. grs. xx 



574 VERBENA. 

Lobelia Infl. Herb. dr. i 

Aqua Bullens oz. vi 

Filter. Wash the eyes every two hours and cover with 
a soft cloth wet with the same, in ophthalmia. 

VERBENA HASTATA. 
Blue Vervain. 

This plant is a bitter relaxing and stimulating nervine. 
In hot infusion it influences a good circulation toward the 
capillaries and soothes the nervous system throughout. 
The liver, gall ducts and bowels are all influenced by it. 
It gives favorable results in biliousness, periodic bilious 
attacks, and is somewhat antiperiodic. Boiling destroys 
considerable of its stimulating quality and leaves it a 
relaxing nervine. 
Dr. F. G. Hoener uses the following for spleenitis: 
Elix. Verbena Has. oz. ii 

" E'lpatorium Perf. 
11 Xanthoxylum aa. oz. i 

M. S. One tablespoonful every two or three hours. 
The Doctor also uses the following for myalgia: 
Elix. Verbena Hast. 
" Betonica Lane. aa. oz. iss 

11 Cunila Mar. oz. i 

M. S. One dessertspoonful every hour until relieved. 
Syr. Verbena Hast. 
41 Chelone Glab. aa. oz. iss 

" Xanthoxylum oz. i 

This is a good tonic hepatic, and the following is splen- 
did for sick leadscbe: 
F. E. Verbena Hast. 
" Scutelaria Lat. 
11 Euonymous Atr aa. dr. iii 
Syr. Zingiber. q. s. oz. iv 

In chronic cases this should be given three times daily 
for some time. 

A cold preparation of verbena is excellent in convales- 
cence from fevers and other debilitating diseases. 

VERBENA TJRTKLEFOLIA. 
White Vervain. 
This plant may be used for the same purposes as the 









VIBURNUM. 575 

hastata. Dr. F. G. Hoener says it is a specific in the opi- 
um and tobacco habits. 

VERNONIA FASCICULATA. 
Ironweed. 

The roots, leaves and flowers are a bitter, stimulating, 
tonic nervine. In hot infusion it arouses the circulation 
and soothes the nervous system, and is useful in acute 
febrile conditions. It is antiperiodic, gently hepatic, and 
useful in convalescence from fevers and other forms of 
disease. 

VERONICA OFFICINALIS. 

Speedwell. 

This herbis a mild, relaxing and stimulating tonic alter- 
ant. In hot infusion it gives a good outward flow of blood 
and soothes the nervous system. It favorably influences 
the hepatic and renal organs and gives good results in 
jaundice, and in hot infusion in acute bronchitis and pneu- 
monia, and with arctium in skin diseases. 

VERONICA PEREGRINA. 
jVecJcweed. 

Dr. F. G. Hoener recommends this agent in the treat- 
ment of scrofulous tumors, glandular troubles, and scrofu- 
lous conditions of the throat and jaws 

VIBURNUM OPULUS. 
Orampbarh. 

The inner bark is an admirable relaxing and stimulat- 
ing, antispasmodic nervine. It quickly relieves the 
crampings of the limbs due to pregnancy, and also when 
not due to this condition. It quiets pain and uneasiness 
due to the pregnant period and prevents miscarriage, and 
is still better when combined with such agents as diosco- 
rea. caulophyllum, mitchella and scutelaria. 

Viburnin is only a moderate representative of this 
agent : the fluid extract is preferable. 

VIBURNUM PRUNIFOLIUM. 
Black Haw. 

The bark is a soothing, stimulating, astringent tonic, 
influencing especially the urino-genital organs. It relieves 



576 XANTHOXYLUM. 

after-pains, stops excessive lochia, prevents abortion when 
threatening, relieves chronic enlargements of the uterus, 
prolapsus uteri, vaginal laxity, and passive menorrhagia, 
It is very valuable during the menopause to prevent exces- 
sive flow. Dr. F. G. Hoener advises the following: 
Elix. Yib. Pruni. oz. iiss 

" Cyp. Pub. oz. i 

" Amaranth. Hypoch. oz, i 
M. S. One dessertspoonful every hour during period 
of threatening miscarriage. 

VITIS VINIFERA. 

From this vine we obtain from different Mediterranean 
localises our supply of raisins (uvas pass^e). When eaten 
they are mildly laxative to the bowels. They do not par- 
ticularly aid digestion, but are chiefly used to flavor differ- 
ent preparations. 

XANTHIUM STRUMARKJM. 
Cocclebur, Clotbur. 

The leaves are a mild, diffusive, stimulating, astringent 
tonic. In hot infusion they influence a good capillary cir 
culation, and are valuable in cases of the bites of snakes 
tarantulas, centipedes and various poisonous insects. Give 
an infusion very freely and apply a poultice of the boiled 
leaves. 

The green leaves bruised and applied to the surface will 
blister the surface. 

The expressed juice of the green leaves applied to the 
surface is a valuable local styptic, almost instantaneously 
producing contractions of the capillaries and the formation 
of coagulum. In ca<es of bleeding of the nose, stomach, 
rectum, vagina, a spraying or injection of this agent is 
very useful. In post-partem hemorrhage and in typhoid 
hemorrhages it should be gi^en internally. 

The fluid extract of the green leaves or an infusion of 
the green leaves or of the burrs, either is excellent for 
dysuria, strangury, scalding urine, bearing down with pain- 
ful micturition, gonorrhoea and gleet. The infusion of 
the burrs is nearly tasteless but is very effective. 

XANTHOXYLUM CAROLINENSIS. 
Southern Prickly Ash. 
The bark and berries of this tree are a diffusive stimu- 



XANTHORKHIZA. 577 

lating alterant and in hot infusion diaphoretic. In influ- 
ence it very much resembles the f raxineum, but more fully 
acts on the secernenls and glandular system and is a more 
serviceable addition to aiteiative compounds. 

XAXTHOXYLUM FRAXINEUM. 

Prickly Ash. 

The bark is a positive, diffusive, stimulant, especially 
inducing a good free capillary and arterial circulation. It 
is a valuable addition to alteratives and to diaphoretics. 
It warms the stomach, arouses the skin, and stimulates 
the salivary glands, the lymphatics and the serous and 
mucous membrane. It is a valuable addition in all chronic 
affections, rheumatism, neuralgia and wherever the skin 
and extremities are cold. 

The seed or berries are slightly more stimulating than 
the bark. In cases of a dry tongue and mucous surfaces 
use this agent and if need be add a little lobelia It is 
one of the best things in the world. It acts slower than 
capsicum but its effects are more permanent Give in 
small and frequent doses, 

Xanthoxylum and Phytolacca are excellent in rheuma- 
tism, syphilis scrofula, paralysis, aphonia, cholera, cholera 
morbus, congestions. 

Xa nth ox i/l in is a moderate representative of this agent. 
The oil is much better. Fill a bottle full of the berries 
then till it with alcohol. Ailow to stand a week or more. 
Then evaporate the alcohol and you have the oil. This 
may be used triturated on lactin 1 to 9. 
The dose of xanthoxylum in any form is very small. 
The following may be used for lead poisoning: 
Myrica Cer. dr. i 

Xanthoxylum dr. ss 

Tannin grs. x 

Aqua Bullens oz. viii 

M. S. Two teaspoonsful every half hour to two hours 
as required. 

XANTHORRH1ZA AlTIFOLIA. 
Yellow Boot. 

The root and inner bark are a strong stimulating tonic 
and may be used in small portions in convalescence and 
wherever such tonic is required. 



578 X KAYS. 

X RAYS, RCENTGEN'S RAYS, CATHODE RAYS. 
By J. M. Thurston, M. D., 

Professor of Applied Physiological Anatomy of the Nervous System and 
Electro-Therapeutics in the Physio-Medical College of Indiana, Indian- 
apolis. 

The possibilities of this, one of the greatest, if not the 
crowning triumph of ancient or modern discovery, to 
furnish incalculable aid to scientific medicine, demands 
that we here give a careful estimate of its present status 
from the stand-point of medicine. 

Candor compels U9 to state in the beginning, that so far, 
the X ray has not attained sufficient practical utility to 
excite a reasonable hope, much less enthusiasm, in the 
uninitiated; yet no one who has made any personal prog- 
ress in the candid study of and practical work with a good 
working X ray outfit, can fail to become impressed with 
an abiding faith in the immensity of the final good to 
medicine that shall come from this wonderful fountain of 
scientific discovery. To be sure there lies before us an 
immense chasm of darkest unknown, or X truths if you 
please, that must be illuminated by most laborious, patient 
and exact experimental work. But we are on the thresh- 
old, the key is within our grasp, and battalions of sturdy, 
stalwart brain-workers are thundering at the door, vieing 
with each other as to who shall be first to enter the realms 
of the mystic light-god, and sack his rich palace of eternal 
truth. 

A study of the history of great discoveries reveals the 
fact that discoverers, or rather we should say scientific 
investigators, maybe divided into two definite classes— 
those who work from a purely scientific stand-point, and 
those who work from the utilitarian stand-point. The 
one never raises his mental foous beyond the horizon of the 
laboratory; the other reaches anon out into the practical 
world to bless the struggling masses with the rich, helpful 
gifts of science. 

This old story is verified in the history of the X rays. 
In 1831 Michael Faraday developed the induction coil, and 
the induced currents, which have been named the farad ic 
current in his honor. He also, among many other impor- 
tant discoveries, produced electric discharges and most 
peculiar fluoiescent lights in vacuum tubes containing 
rarified gasses. 



X KAYS. 579 

Then Geissler followed Faraday, improving upon the 
vacuum tubes, now called Geissler tubes, sealing in perma- 
nent plitinum electrodes, producing some new and won- 
derful effects, and contributing to the science of electro- 
physics some most important truths. He noted that the 
fluorescence behaved differently at the anode and cathode, 
or positive and negative poles; that a most peculiar phos- 
phorescence could be traced to the cathode in the vacuum 
tube; thus he developed the "cathode rays," which be- 
came the centre of interest to scientists in this line of work. 

Then came Prof. Wm. Crookes, who in 1879 commenced 
publishing a series of papers which astonished the popular 
mind, and stimulated scientific investigators everywhere 
in this line of science; though they were familiar with 
most of the same facts which had already been set forth 
by Faraday and Geissler, followed by many others of less 
fame. Crookes further elucidated and improved upon 
these, adding, to be sure, some important original discov- 
eries. He called it Hadiant, or a Fourth State of Matter. 
Though Faraday had spoken of a radiant state of matter, 
suggesting that in this condition the molecules were in an 
extremely separated state, as far a pa it relatively as the 
molecules of gas compared with those of liquid. The tubes 
now almost entirely used in producing the X rays are 
named Crookes tubes. 

Hertz experimenting with thin sheeis of metal within 
the vacuum tube demonstrated the power of the cathcdic 
rays to penetrate in straight lines of force solid substances. 
But his pupil, Paul Lenard. led these rays outside the 
tubes, by cutting a window in it and inserting an alumi- 
num plate opposite the cathode — negative pole. Through 
this window Lenard got the rays, parsing them thiough 
opaque substances, and produced photographs; in fact did 
everything that we are now doing with the X rays, except 
applying them to human anatomy and surgery; I his was 
reserved for Prof. Roentgen, for which he is now receiving 
the plaudits of vox popull, which sinks, for the hour, 
Faraday, Geissler, Hertz, Lenard, and numerous other 
patient, earnest and most valuable discoverers, ii.to 
eclipse, because he has gotten the attention of the world's 
doctors with their world of admir ny and worshipful cli- 
entele. 

It was certainly commendable in Roentgen to push aside 
the "kingly crown" that was offered in christening them 



580 



X KAYS. 



the " Roentgen Rays", and modestly suggesting the more 
scientific name of an unkown radiant quantity, or the X 
rays. Of course the improvement made by Prof. Roentgen 
in X ray penetrating power, his deep scientific elucidation 
of its physical properties, and above all, his practical con- 
tribution to surgery is quite enough honor without the ap- 
propriation of others property by calling it the Roentgen 
Ray. 

What the Xray really is: — This is a question so strictly 
within the province of physical science that we shall only 
give a brief statement of Roentgen's idea which is probably 

as near correct as the English 
theory; remembering the X, 
or unknown nature of it, 
which will probably remain 
so for some time to come. 
What the medical profession 
want to know is its possibil- 
ities. 

Reference to the figure which 
is Crooke's tubein operation 
will aid us in a brief descrip- 
tion. The tube is simply a 
^ vacuum, not an absolute nor 
even extreme vacuum but 
what may better be under- 
*i° stood by saying that it con- 







tains exceedingly rarified air. 
The electrodes are sealed in 
the tube, One is circular, cup- 
ped, of nickle plated copper 
A. The other is square, set 
at an angle, and made of al- 
uminum C. These represent 
respectively the anode or pos- 
itive pole, and cathode or 
negative pole; a gap is left be- 
tween them which the cur- 
rent jumps in its passage, as 
indicated by the arrows at 
each pole at ends of the tube 
Now a stream is thrown back 
from cathode cup A to anode disk C, this is called "the 
cathode rays" or "cathode stream. This causes a great 



X RAYS. 581 

commotion between the molecules of air which by their 
ra rifled condition or separation are easily moved, and are 
thrown against disk C, and the tube. walls with such force 
and friction as to cause efflorescence, and a beautiful soft 
greenish blue light illuminates the tube, giving a mild 
phosphorescent light inside the tube by which the hands 
of a watch can be seen with some difficulty. This is the 
cathode light, and was at first thought to be the penetrat- 
ing rays, hence was called the "cathode ray." But Roent- 
gen has satisfactorily shown , according to present know- 
ledge at least, that the true X rays are those projected 
from the slanting aluminum disk C as shown in the figure 
by the heavier arrows leading outside the tube. 

The X rays have a power of penetration much beyond 
that of any other form of radiant matter with which we 
now are acquainted. To be sure we can, with a strong sun- 
light unfocused, get illumination of soft tissues, and 
shadow outlines of bones, so, also with an electric light, 
a photograph may thus be obtained. While in reality they 
are a form of electric light, yet a little work with the X 
rays will convince any one that they are a newly discover- 
ed potency of light that is destined to work a most won- 
derful revolution in illumination in both art and com- 
merce. 

The present status of X ra f/s hi relation to sartjery. — 
Practically the X rays offers noihing for general medicine. 
But to surgery, rightly directed, it is already a most valu- 
able aid. 

Its first importance is in locating foreign substances in 
the structures. Here, as perhaps in all future work in this 
line, we must join photography hand in hand with our 
new aid. Lest the beginner become disgustingly disap- 
pointed let us impress him with the importance of a pho- 
tographic production above the natural eyesight, that is, 
a photograph here, as elsewhere, -shows more than we can 
discern with the eye. Therefore we suggest that you de- 
pend more upon the photograph than the eye and , the 
fluoroscopy And as the process is so simple so far as get- 
ting a negative, or rather a positive, is concerned we re- 
commend a diagnosis or rather location of a foreign sub- 
stance by a photograph, rather than by the naked eye, as 
we will show by our own experience further on. If you 
have a photographer convenient all that is needed is Car- 
butts X ray plates, the^e are ie;,dy for work, place the 



582 X KAYS. 

hand for instance on the plate without removing the wrap- 
per of black paper, hold it up in front of tube, 4 inches 
from it with the hand to the light, and from 2 to 5 min- 
utes exposure is sufficient, return the plate to envelope, 
take it lo your photographer who developes, fixes, prints 
and mounts it in the usual way. 

With the static machine, Crooke's tubes and fluoroseope, 
which can now be bought of G. A. Frei & Co. No 17 Brom- 
field Street. Boston, Mass., at such reasonable prices that 
there is no excuse for any Doctor of ordinary means not 
providing himself with an X ray outfit. We give a friend- 
ly warning against the fellows who come along with out- 
fits whose only merit is the exhorbitant demands from the. 
medical profession, on Col. Sellers idea that there are 
"millions in them'' (the Doctors). 

Our figure shows a needle in the thumb-muscles which 
had been there for over 25 years. Of course it was thor- 
oughly encysted and could be felt on deep pressure, but the 
patient resisted operative proceedure fearing a crippled 
hand. By thus locating it and especially its long axis, 
which was impossible except with the X rays, we were en- 
abled to convince her that its removal could be easily ef- 
fectd without bad results. 

A boy 5 years old while crawling at play on the carpet, 
ran a needle, eye first, into the knee joint, 2 inches in a slant- 
ing direction downward above the petella. It passed 
through the patella-tendon into the synovial-sac, and our 
first photograph, one week after the accident, showed two 
thirds of the needle into the sac; 36 hours after, a photo- 
graph showed it entirely in the synovial sac; and with the 
naked eye through the fluoroscope we could see it floating 
about under the patella in the synovial sac, and could by 
motions of the knee joint be thrown under patella-tendon 
to its inner border, where we finally succeeded in forcing 
the point out so that it could be felt exactly in position 
shown by the X rays, and we quickly removed it through a 
short deep incision. Had this remained in the synovial 
sac, no one can question the loss of the knee joint, and 
probably the limb, it would have been impossible to locate 
it without the X rays. 

In a valuable little book on X rays, by Dr. Wm. J.Morton, 
and Edwin W. Hammer, electrical engineer, and published 
by the American Technical Book Co. No. 45 Vesey Street, 
N. Y. to produce a shadowgraph to show the aid to bone sur_ 



X RAYS. 583 

gery afforded by the X rays. This picture was made after 
a Colles focture had been put up in splints, the pins in the 
bandage plainly show. If the fracture has not been prop- 
erly approximated and retained the surgeon is thus made 
aware of it in ample time to save suit for damage. We 
recently had such a fracture, a little lower down and quite 
oblique, being in a large, muscular, laboring man; it was 
enormously swollen from the severe bruise and sprain, so 
that we could not have made oat the fracture without 
the X rays. 

Recently a lady applied for treatment of a felon in the end 
of the left thumb; as the finder looked peculiar we used 
the X ray, and discovered a fragment of needle about one- 
fourth of an inch in length penetrating the periosteum 
and impinging on the bone. The lady then called to mind 
that ten years ago she thought she had run a needle in her 
thumb, but as it gave her no trouble she had long ago for- 
gotten it. She was etherized, the fragment removed, and 
the finger was quite well in three days. There is no ques- 
tion about the very serious results had this needle remained 
for the inflammatory process would hive continued. 

We may enumerate the advantages of the X ray in sur- 
gery as follows: 

The Study of Normal Anatomy —The normal anatom- 
ical relations of the bony systems can be most thoroughly, 
attractively and accurately studied through the fluoro- 
scope, and by the X ray photographs. 

So also developmental oste >logy can be studied more accu- 
rately; the foetus at every stage of development en u'ero 
will be observed; the new-born infant: and the study con- 
tinued to the end of full development It will be found 
necessary to change the chapters in anatomy on the develop- 
ment of the bony system when such a systematic study is 
made. 

Comparative Anatomy — The study of comparative 
osteology will find a valuable aid in the X rays; reptiles, 
fishes and all the smaller animals can be studied and com- 
pared with more perfect accuracy. No doubt many mate- 
rial corrections will be made in this science, as wel) as 
that of natural history and zoology. 

Location of Foreign Stihsta-ae-> in the Human Body, 
Fractures and Dislocations. —These we ha\e alieady 
shown the advantages derived from the X rays. To which 
we may add the case of a bullet in the palm of the hand, 



584 X KAYS. 

which the author tried to extract but failed, fifteen years 
ago; an examination recently with the X rays not only 
located the bullet, but explained the difficulty of its re- 
moval. 

Diseases of the Bones.— While of course the X rays 
accurately reveal the slightest enlargement, and extra 
growths of bone, yet being only a shadow picture it reveals 
nothing of the true pathological nature. 
Anchylosis. Remote Injures to Joint* and Bones. — 
The X rays give most valuable aid in differentiating 
anchyloses. In true anchylosis the bony union will be 
easily and accurately distinguishable. 

In remote injuries of joints and bones it may be of con- 
siderable aid. 

Medico- Leo 1 1 I.— Of no minor import will be the X ray 
photographs in court, showing most conclusively the loca- 
tion of balls and the nature of remote bone injuries. A 
patient of the author's has now a case in court claiming 
damages for an injury to the foot, which apparently seems 
little damaged, but an X ray photograph explains exactly 
why the man will be a cripple the rest of his life. 

Dentistry —As the teeth are more dense than the alveo- 
lar process, both the tooth and alveolus show distinctly 
with the fluoroscope, and in photographs; also metal fill- 
ings being more dense than either, flaws in fillings, necro- 
sis, and new growths, together with many other dental 
troubles, may be detected. 

That Which Medicine Demands of the X Rays, but 
Which It Cannot as yet Fulfill.— Notwithstanding the 
brilliant achievements of the X rays for medicine in little 
over a twelvemonth, as above set forth, yet our miracle- 
demanding and ever exacting profession must have far 
greater performances from this wonderful light-ray before 
its tidal wave of enthusiasm obtains a maximum momen- 
tum. Then it will sweep the medical world like an ava- 
lanche. 

So far this light, with its amazing penetration of solid 
substances, can give us only a shadow. That is, the dens- 
est portions like the bones stop most of the rays and conse- 
quently cast a shadow in front of them, which is simply a 
silhouette, hence called shadowgraph, skiagraph, etc. The 
general soft structures, such as cartilage, ligaments, ten- 
dons, muscles, etc., though differing in their structural 
density, seem to have no difference in their ability to 



X KAYS. 585 

obstruct the X rays; hence, we have in dimmer shadow, an 
outline shadow-mass of the soft structures. The most 
important thing to medicine and surgery is totally absent; 
viz., the details of nerves, blood-vessels, organs, etc.; in 
short, general tissue and structural differentiation. Then 
so far as actual diseased conditions are concerned it cannot 
give us even a hint. To be sure growths and destructions 
of bony structure are readily pointed out, but it gives no 
clue as to the pathological nature of the new growths, or 
the destructive processes. 

The Future Possibilities of the X Hays.— However 
slight the conservative and skeptical may consider the ad- 
vantages already afforded our profession by the X rays, the 
future of this new discovery cannot but be hailed with 
deepest regard by the candid scientific medical man. 
When we remember it was only a year last December since 
the attention of medical men was attracted by Prof. Roent- 
gen's discovery that the bones could be seen in the living 
body, and then bear in mind that the only achievement 
yet to give us full mastery of the X ray is to gain over it 
the power of refraction; then shall we have nothing less 
than microscopic penetration of every tissue element, tis- 
sue and structure of the living body. This last step, we 
confidently prophesy, will be gained within the next 
twelvemonth. And within the next decade, X ray micro- 
fluoroscopes will be constructed by which we can view the 
tissue units, tissues and structures, and their functional 
activities; in other words, study the living body as we now 
study micro-organisms in a life-slide with our microscopes. 

That the general reader may better comprehend us, take 
an ordinary double convex lense for instance, with a ten- 
inch focus; ordinary light-rays traveling parallel and 
striking the surface on either side of the lens are refracted 
—that is, bent from the periphery towards the centre of 
the disk — and converge as they pass out on the other side, 
and finally come to a focus or brilliant spot of light ten 
inches distant, from the lens. Now ihe X rays will pass 
through such a lens coming out at the same distance apart 
on the opposite side, and there is no refraction or bending 
of them into a focus. Tbis is the great difficulty to be 
overcome. And when we shall be able to thus handle the 
X rays, with their powers of penetration it will be easy to 
construct a fluoro-microscope by which we can define and 
magnify the living tissues, as we now do microscopic sec- 



586 X KAYS. 

tions by transmitted light. It is the writer's humble 
opinion that investigators -mould get to work along these 
lines, instead of devising more powerful apparata for 
stronger light. We already have sufficiently powerful X 
rays; let us seek to control them by some form of refrac- 
tion. 

As to X Hay Outfits. — In this, as everything else per- 
taining to physicians' supplies, dealers take advantage of 
every new craze to bleed the medical profession, and out- 
fits are being sold at exorbitant prices. 

To obtain illumination of a Crooke's tube and its conse- 
quent X rays, it is necessary to procure an electric dis- 
charge or spark. The distance that the electric current 
can be made to jump from one electrode to another in this 
discharge is called a spark-gap; other things being equal, 
the longer the spark-gap the more powerful the X ray ma- 
chine. A seven or eighi inch spark-gap is a good machine; 
the most powerful are ten to twelve inches. 

At present there are two methods of getting illumina- 
tion of the Cro >ke's tube; viz., by an induction coil (the 
Ruhmkorff coil is u^ed altogether), or with a static ma- 
chine. With either of these the only other requisites are 
a Crooke's tube, a stand or holder for the tube, and a fluoro- 
scope— a pasteboard box, the inside of which is smeared 
with a fluorescent substance (tungstate of calcium), which 
enables one to see through opaque substances between it 
and the X rays. 

With the Ruhmkorff coil outfit one must have the com- 
mercial current from the electric light plant, a storage 
battery, or a number— from ten to twenty — laclar.che 
cells. 

For our own part, we prefer static electricity for X ray 
work, as in our experience it is just as effective as the coil, 
much more conveniently handled, and far cheaper. We 
believe the static to be the ideal current for the X rays. 

With the Static Machine No. 2 furnished by G. A. Frei 
& Co. we have been able to do most excellent work. Our 
illustrations were taken with this outfit. 

Quite recently the writer has found that by using two 
Crooke's tubes, arranged one immediately in front and a lit- 
tle towards the cathode end of the other tube, the power of 
X rays may be nearly doubled with the same static ma- 
chine. One figure was photographed by this arrangemeut, 
and will compare favorably with any expensive coil outfit. 



ZINGIBER. 

ZINGIBER OFFICINALE. 



587 



Ginger. Jamaica. 

The root is an aromatic, diffusive stimulant. It is one 
of the most useful agents of the materia medica; though 
last, it is not least. In hot infusion it is diaphoretic. 
When detained by congestion, it relieves the congestion 
and assists in reinstating the menstrual flow. It is one of 
the best agents in most grades of feverishness. 

In a large majority of compounds it is an excellent aro- 
matic adjuvant. With cathartics it prevents nausea and 
griping. 

In typhoid and other fevers and in all the exanthems 
there is nothing better, and so in bronchitis, pneumonia, 
pleuritis and angina. 

It relieves flatulence, internal congestions, recent colds, 
and is useful in dysentery and diarrhoea. 

Zingiber 1, asclepias tub. 4 forms an excellent diaphoretic. 

With lobelia, zingiber increases its antispasmodic power. 

The fluid extract may be used for all the purposes of the 
agent. 



688 



PHYSIO-CD BDIOAL, 

PHARMACY. 



By J. M. Thurston, M. D. 

Professor of Applied Physiological Anatomy of the Nervous System and 
Electro-Therapeutics in the Physio-Medical College of Indiana, Indian- 
apolis. 



-s» V-> Introductory. 

j^MJharinacy is the art of preparing remedial agents 
MF '" the most effective and convenient form for 
administration in the treatment of disease. The 
Physio- Medical practice having for its funda- 
mental guidance, a , 'philosophy differing widely from all 
other schools of medicine, requires a readjustment of all 
known facts relative to Physiology, Pathology, and Thera- 
peutics to this haslc hypothesis, which avers the vital con- 
stitution and unity or' the physiological whole, in health 
and disease, rendering all symptomatic, or perverted, as 
well as normal functional actions, essentially sanative in 
their intent, by virtue of an inherent vital force, whose 
manifestations through, and only by means of living mat- 
ter, is always resistive of inimical influences, constructive 
a i id regenerative; it therefore follows that a Physio-Medical 
Pharmacopoeia, and the subject of pharmacy must be ad- 
justed to this philosophical standpoint. 

To this work we address ourself with many misgivings. 
Not however because of inherent difficulties in adjusting, 
and rearranging the present known facts, which have been 
valued by other schools of medicine, or the very large num- 
ber of established truths that have been discovered and 
used by Physio-Medicalisfcs, during the last seventy-live 
years, to the theorem of our school of practice; neither be- 
cause of the slightest doubt of harmony between Physio- 



PHARMACY. 589 

Medical philosophy, and a single truth of pharmacy and 
therapeutics, but we shrink from the task wholly on per- 
sonal doubts of our ability to fill the requirements of so 
great a need as that of a practical working pharmacology 
for the Physio-Medical profession. 

The Physio-Medical philosophy is interdictory of alcho- 
hol as a therapeutic agent, and our pharmacy avoids its 
use as a menstruum, claiming for it only preservative prop- 
erties, and admits only the smallest percentage. It is a well 
demonstrated fact that the most potent therapeutic agent 
is a hot infusion Boiling water, therefore is the most effect- 
ive and reliable menstruum for obtaining the full remedial 
constituency ol vegetable drugs, especially. But these in- 
fusions do not keep well, they are soon attacked by micro- 
organism and fermentative processes, that render them 
useless; so that a thoroughly reliable, therapeutically in- 
ert, non-alcoholic preservative for a percolate made with 
boiling water as a menstruum, is the great desideratum. 
in Physio-Medical pharmacy. Such a preservative we shall 
endeavor to suggest for many of our fluid extracts, in the 
body of this work. 

It will be readily understood from the facts set forth a- 
bove, that the difference between Physio-Medical Pharm- 
acy, and that of other schools in the preparation of flluid 
extracts, especially of the Vegetable Materia Mediea. is 
quite radical, and will no doubt subject this work to ad- 
verse criticism; but as to this we are indifferent, relying 
upon the integrity of our principles, and the experience of 
our profession, to demonstrate that the source of these 
strictures is ignorance, and prejudice. 

Owing to the large and wholly unnecessary percentage-of 
alcohol in the fluid products of the leading manufacturing 
houses, whose business acumen rightly prompts them to 
pander to the more popular schools of medicine, whose 
false and dangerous notion of chemico-therapeutics, or the 
idea of the body-functions being the result of chemical dis- 
integration of atoms, thus reasoning that medicines must 
also act by chemical equations in the living economy, as 
they do in the chemical labratory, has brought into exist- 
ence numerous "chemical companies," so that the Physio- 
Medical practitioner is compelled through the lack of phar- 
maceutical houses that shall devote proper attention to 
our Wants, to prepare a large share of his own therapeutic 
supplies, or else purchase and use these highly alcoholic 



590 PHARMACY. 

and irritating fluid extracts. Therefore the larger part 
of this work will be devoted to Practical Office Pharma- 
cy; by which we hope to point out an economic outfit, and 
processes that will draw as lightly as possible upon the 
busy practitioner's time, also afford him efficient and ele- 
gant pharamceuticai products. 

While in some respects, it is desirable to avoid combina- 
tion of a considerable number of agents, and especially a 
routine formulae-practice, yet no experienced prescriber 
can be induced to confine himself exclusively to single ad- 
ministration of remedies, no more than he could be induced 
to treat a given disease, through all its phases, and consti- 
tutional modifications of various patients, with one single 
agent. Neither is it possible to find a successful practi- 
tioner of several years experience that has not a number of 
favorite formulae, which he prizes highly. This is our oo- 
ly apology for concluding this work with a somewhat ex- 
tensive Formulary. 

Partly from necessity, but largely from natural taste for 
pharmaceutical work, the writer has devoted much time 
and money to laboratory equipment and pharmacy; which 
we hope may avail somewhat in presenting to t lie proles 
sion, some originality and individuality in the subject mat- 
ter of this work that may aid in rendering \i of practical 
value. However we would by no means exclude the large 
experience, and practical ability of our many friends and 
co-laborers, and shall present much from others of our own 
school, and somethings of value from other schools of mi d- 
icine, endeavoring carefully to give due credit to all in the 
proper place as we go along: the Author's original material 
standing unaccredited. 

FLUID EXTRACTS. 

The object of pharmaceutical procedure in obtaining a 
fluid extract, is, the solution, in an effective and agree- 
able form, of the therapeutic principles of vegetable sub- 
stances, and of inorganic compounds or elements. The 
two qualities, that of efficiency and elegance, are not 
always attainable in a pharmaceutical product; indeed, 
the problem of pharmacy is to overcome this antagonism 
between taste and therapeutic value; for the practitioner 
cannot afford to sacrifice the latter for the former. The 
writer's experience and observation in this direction is. 
that the tendency of modern pharmacy is sadly in neglect 



PHARMACY. 591 

of efficiency, for the sake <*f elegance. In addition to this 
harmful tendency, is the false notion that the so-called 
•'active principles" and the "inert" constituents should be 
wholly separated, to the total exclusion of the latter; and 
to this end analytical pharmacy has been carried to a 
harmful, not to say ridiculous, extreme. "Organic client* 
intra" is a misnomer; approximate chemistry is the more 
appropriate term for the chemical treatment of organic 
substances, which, at its very first touch, obliterates the 
vital conditions and physiological continuity of the organ- 
ic body, leaving us without a supposition as to either the 
physiological synthesis of the analytical products, or the 
therapeutic potency of these isolated principles. The fact 
is that the living matter, which not only constitutes the 
vital motor of the living plant, but when this same vege- 
table organism becomes a materies medica, it now, in a 
desiccated form, becomes the essential therapeutic constit- 
uent of the drug. This bioplasm is, in the vital living 
state, matter without atomic characteristics, and there- 
fore absolutely without the pale of chemical law. We 
have the proof of this in the variance of organic chemical 
analyses; no two chemists obtain exactly the same 
results from the same organic substances, the same chem- 
ist failing to obtain identical equivalents by different 
analyses of exactly the same organic body: thus exhibit- 
ing the futility of all attempts at scientific accuracy, and 
impossibility of so-called organic chemistry, so far as it 
serves physiology, pharmacy, materia medica and thera- 
peutics. 

On the therapeutic philosophythat all substances, as they 
stand in relation to the human organism, are divisible 
into three general classes, viz., Food. Medicine and Poi- 
son, and that there is a radical difference and distinction 
between a medicine and a poison, as well as a food and a 
poison: that a true food substance, when taken up in pab- 
ular state by the living matter of tissue-elements, affords 
materials that can be converted or assimilated by the 
bioplasm into its own substance, thus losing all atomic 
characteristics and becoming non-atomic living matter or 
bioplasm, and eventually tissues and structures. In other 
words, a food is a substance possessed of tissue and struct- 
ural potentiality— true tissue-building constituency. The 
difference then between a food and a true medicine, or 
Physio-Medical remedy, is, the latter is a negative food: 



592 PHARMACY. 

i.e., does not actually afford pabulum and increase of bio- 
plastic substance, or quality, and consequeut tissue-build- 
ing-; but simply modifies and improves the biopiastic con- 
ditions, functional potency of the whole tissue unit, and 
consequently the functional activity of tissues, structures, 
organs and systems Hence they are called sanative 
agents or medicines. Therefore it follows that the essen- 
tial nature or quality of Physio-Medical fluid extracts 
would radically differ from that of the other schools of 
medicine, even when dealing with the same sanative 
drugs. So that on the Physio-Medical theorem we regard 
much of the so-called "inert principles" of vegetable 
crude drugs essential to a fluid extract, as we require 
the full normal constituency of the crude article 
to insure therapeutic efficiency, drug identity, and 
consequent scientific precision in prescribing. Indeed, 
as before mentioned, an infusion is the most potent 
therapeutic form of these drugs; and this is because 
it represents in a synthetic state the vital soluble 
therapeutic constituency of the drug; and this 
therapeutic potency is the desiccated bioplasm. 
We shall therefore give to an infusion, according to 
Physio-Medical nomenclature, the name of Normal Fluid 
Extract. 

Of the theory of bioplasm in a desiccated form const i- 
tuting the therapeutic potency of vegetable drugs, we 
scarcely feel, called upon to present further argument in 
defense; but attention is called to the following facts in 
support. Old and inert vegetable drugs are so because the 
drying process is carried to the extent of total destruction 
of the living matter: i. e., its return to atomic state. 

The fresh green drug, as a rule, does not furnish as po- 
tent infusion or fluid extract, because the fresh bioplasm 
is not so soluble nor potent as when in a desiccated, partly 
dried and concentrated state. 

Finally, the desiccated bioplasm affords the essential 
therapeutic potency of these vegetable drugs, because 
it fzirnishes the most assimilable form of pabu- 
lum to the bioplasm of the tissue elements, 
when administered to the living organism; and it repre- 
sents the purest type of negative food. 

As to the question of inorganic therapeutic agents, and 
the role that hot water plays in a freshly prepared infu- 
sion, this reaches beyond the limits of the present article, 






PHARMACY. 593 

into the principles of therapeutics. Therefore, we deem 
it sufficient to simply mention the facts that cold infusions 
have equal therapeutic power to hot infusions, only slower 
in exerting that influence, and consequently more persist- 
ent; that inorganic substances are equally efficient in any 
form, whether cold or hot infusions, or fluid extracts, ex- 
cept rapidity of entering the circulation, afforded them by 
heat. 

While the general rule is. that green fluid extracts, i. e., 
prepared from the fresh plant, have not rn,et with general 
favor from the profession, yet there are some agents that 
furnish certain therapeutic re-ults in the green state, 
which cannot be obtained from them in the dried form. 
Phytolacca root, and juglans cinerea. b;irk of root, are two 
instances of this kind; the former in the green state 
affords an excellent regulator of the vaso-motor nerves of 
head and face, and is consequently a most valuable remedy 
in certain forms of facial neuralgia: the dried agent affords 
no such influence. The fresh bark of green root of juglans 
cinerea is a prompt and powerful stimulant of the intesti- 
nal motor system, and gives a valuable cathartic and 
hepatic action as a result of this influence: the dried bark 
of the root yields an astringent and tonic action upon 
mucous membranes. These will be referred to again in 
their proper province; we only mention them here to show 
what these influences above n^med are because important 
therapeutic constituency of the drugs have been isolated 
or dispersed by drying. This fact in no degree constitutes 
an exception to the general rule already laid down, that a 
fluid preparation properly made with boiling water as a 
menstruum, is a normal fluid extract, and affords the 
absolute therapeutic constituency of the drug. Then in 
order to establish a necessary standard of Physio-Medical 
fluid extracts, in accordance with the foregoing facts and 
principles, we would suggest the following general rule: 

A Fluid Extract is a fluid preparation whose 
menstruum is boiling water, or some other fluid 
that will extract and hold in solution the entire 
therapeutic constituency of the drug. To which 
is added the smallest percentage of preservative 
that will protect the product from fermentative 
and other deleterious action. 

Now we are aware that the inexperienced, and those 
who have been taught to believe alcohol a powerful men- 



;594 PHARMACY. 

struum, mistaking the burning, irritating action of the 
alcohol upon the mucous membranes for "strength, 51 or 
therapeutic potency of the pharmaceutical product, will 
deem preparations on the above formula entirely too 
"weak" and inadequate. But the experienced Physio- 
Medical practitioner has proved their reliability, and all 
who give our fluid extracts, which are conformed closely 
to this rule, a thorough trial, divesting themselves of all 
prejudice or preconceived notions, will certainly not be 
disappointed. They will learn that alcohol is not a men- 
struum in the true pharmaceutical and therapeutic sense 
of the term. 

Preparing the ( y rude Drugs. 

The proper time to gather vegetable agents is at the 
stage of full maturity of the part to be used. If the whole 
plant, which includes roots, is desired, it must be gathered 
when in full foliage, and bloom, if a flowering plant. If 
only the roots entire are required, then early spring, when 
the plant is just shooting above ground. If the bark of 
the root, then a little later when the sap is starting, so 
that.it peels readily. Barks, and fruits, such as berries, 
nuts, etc, are gathered in the fall; the bark when the sap 
is starting down, about the early turning of foliage; fruits 
at their earliest maturity and ripeness. 

Cutting. — The herb-tops, barks and roots should all be 
cut while in the green .state into the finest possible trans- 
verse sections. Bark of roots should be well washed and 
scraped, as also the larger roots when used entire. For cut- 
~— -^^^ ting there is nothing 

^^^"^^^5^^ better than the old fash- 

^^"^S^v ioned hand cutting-box. 
j0^^/s y '/ >-- ;, ~; ~^l use d °y farmers in mak- 
^i.^- ? ^; ~ A ^^:JfV D £ chopped feed for 
-- r >- j -"" : " \ - " '-/\, - p^^^Eii horses, which can usually 
"V"^" -f^ : I W begotten cheap at hard- 

a' ; : f§^ ware and implement 

Wmm^ ■;- V cutter ean be ch eapi y 

made by attaching a corn-cutter to a large square block of 
wood, having a board nailed on one side, as shown in the 
figure. 

Drying— After cutting carefully, the materials are 
.dried, aX not too high a temperature, in the shade, never 



m 



PHARMACY. 



595 



exposing them to the sun, nor in a room the temperature 
of which is above 83 deg. F. The atmosphere should be 
thoroughly dry and pure. They should be spread out so 
as to avoid contact of large masses, which will ferment 
and mould. See to it that they dry slowly without injury, 
and well protected from dust and insects during the dry- 
ing process, as well as afterward. Dr. Joseph Weeks, of 
Mechanicsburg. Ind ., has devised a series of drying racks, 
which he lays one upon another, after loading them, and 
swings up to the. ceiling by ropes and pulleys, out of the 
way in the back room of his office, in a most favorable dry- 




ing atmosphere. They consist, as shown in the figure, of 
several box-frames about 3 inches deep, 37x42 inches 
square. The bottom is covered by coarse canvas; the sack- 
ing used by furniture dealers is best. This is supported 
by slats 2x| inches nailed across the frame about 6 or 8 
inches apart. After being loaded with the fresh cut drugs 
they are piled upon each other, the bottom one having 
rings for the attachment of swinging ropes. Over the top 
one is thrown a loose canvas or paper. The contents are 
thus thoroughly protected from dust, insects, etc., and yet 
a thorough circulation of air i allowed and the drying 
process is favored. This is an excellent device, cheap and 
convenient. 

Comminution,.— After the drying process is carried to 
the proper extent, the drugs must be reduced to a suitable 
degree of comminution, or separation into fine particles 
favorable for obtaining in solution their medicinal proper- 
ties. . On a small scale, and especially for plant-tops, 
leaves, and the more tender barks, a large iron mortar and 
pestle serves the purpose, as it will for all other crude 
materials if one is not averse to the free use of muscular 
exertion. A good light-running hand drug-mill gives the 
most satisfactory results, and should be a part of the 
equipment of any considerable pharmaceutical laboratory. 



596 PHARMACY. 

i 

There are quite a number of gcod drug-mills on the mar- 
ket, and can be gotten from any hardware dealer, ranging 
iu prjce from $10.00 to $25,00, The Hance Drug-Mill, on 
the whole, we think is the best one. .; 

\ Pharmacists vary.in their preferences as to grinding of 
drugs, some using exceedingly fine powder, others very 
coarse, and others preferring moderately fine powder. 
When we remember that the process of percolation, the 
pne now universally used as the best for obtaining the 
therapeutic values of drugs, depends for its effectiveness 
wholly on. the force of gravity plus the weight of the col- 
umn of fluid or menstruum as it is, called; that after the 
solvent action. of the menstruum is complete, the mere 
mechanical force of gravity enables it. to displace or disen- 
gage itself from the drug-residue, and fall from the lower 
end of the percolator laden with it* full complement of 
extractive constituency, we can readily see that a very fine 
powder being more compact would render percolation quite 
slow, and thus restraining the passage through the drug- 
mas* deprive : the process of the aid afforded by gravity: 
force. Therefore it would seem that after maceration is 
complete, that is, the full solvent action of the menstruum 
is spent, rapid percolation through a moderately fine ppwr 
der should yield the richest percolate; our personal experU 
ence, which has been quite extensive in this direction, 
testing thoroughly t-lie various grades of grinding, is 
wholly in favor of a moderately fine (No. 50) and ,moder r 
ately coarse (No. 40) powder. 

We prefer to not sieve the grind ingsirom a drug-mill. 
Most all crude drugs of the organic class contain parts 
more easily comminuted than others; they ; are mostly the 
intercellular structures, and these contain the bioplasm of 
the plant; consequently, as we have before stated, are 
most potent in medicinal constituency. These : more fri- 
able parts of the drug will be the finer as the ma^s comes 
from the mill-, hence sieving separates them readily from 
the more woody parts, which also contain in many drugs 
important therapeutic principles, rejecting which, the 
percolating powder represents only partially the therapeu : 
tic value of the entire plant. The entire mixture gives a 
fetter powder for percolation. > 

While beyond question the fresher gathered and pre- 
pared the materials, the better the pharmaceutical prod- 
uct, and we strongly urge the physician who can at all, to 



PHARMACY. 597 

have them gathered, and prepare all the botanical agents 
that grow in his immediate locality; yet he will have to 
depend on the general drug-miller for many valuable for- 
eign agents. He should therefore sufficiently acquaint 
himself with the physical characteristics of these foreign 
drugs, and the requirements of first-class materials, to be 
able to make intelligent selections. As an aid to this end 
we offer the following general suggestions in purchasing: 
1 Do not buy the crude packed drugs. As a rule they 
must be very dry to pack well, which over-dry state injures 
their medicinal value. Such drugs are exceedingly hard 
to grind, and the labor of comminuting overbalances the 
difference in price, unless time is of no value. 

Deal with a Physio-Medical drug house, as they will be 
better able to furnish fresh and reliable botanic agents. 
If such a drug house is not within reach, order direct from 
the drug-mill. 

The grade of grinding drugs is usually indicated by the 
terms fine, moderately fine, moderately coarse, and 
coarse. The United States Pharmacopoeia has designated 
more definitely the degree^ of fineness meant by the above 
terms, in relation to the number of meshes to the linear 
inch of sieve wire, as follows! 

1 Very fine powder should pass through a sieve of 80 
meshes tothe linear inch, and is therefore powder No. 80. 

Fine powder has been sieved through wire of 60 meshes 
to the inch, and is A T o. 60 powder. 

Moderately ft tie powder is sieved with wire of 50 mesh- 
es per inch, and ie No. HO powder. 

'■ Moderately coarse powder is sieved with 40-mesh wire, 
and is therefore No. 40 powder. 

' Coarse powder is sieved through wire of 20 meshes per 
inch, and is No. 20. 

Thus one can easily indicate to the drug-miller exactly 
what degree or grade of grinding is desired. 

In ordering drugs for percolation always specify, from 
the mill, utisieved. As already explained, the best drug, 
or in other words the ground product which will represent 
the full constituency of the plant, is that containing every 
part of it, and will be made up of different degrees of fine- 
ness. The cellular, intercellular and dense ligneous parts 
each will vary in fineness with the same setting of the 
mill. The drug-miller knows that the intercellular por- 
tions are more easily pulverized, hence he sieves these 



598 PHAKMACY. 

finer and richer parts out, to be taken to the chaser-mill 
for pulverization, while the coarser woody, and poorer 
medicinally, parts are sold for percolation. Of course the 
drug-miller does not know the difference in medicinal rich- 
ness of these various parts; looking at the matter Irom a 
purely commercial stand-point, he does not think of selling 
percolate-powders direct from the mill. 

Percolation— Its Purpose, Philosophy and Practi- 
cal Methods. 

The cylindrical vessel for the process of percolation, 
made of heavy tin, granite iron, glass or crockery-ware, is 
called a percolator. The menstruum is the fluid poured 
on drugs in the percolator; the percolate is the liquid 
containing the solvent principles which escapes from the 
lower end of the percolator; and the process is percolation, 
displacement, or lixivation. This process is one of 
the very earliest methods of pharmaceutical practice, as 
well as one of the most important. The philosophy of 
percolation is very aptly set forth in the following, which 
we quote from Remington's Practice of Pharmacy, page 
228: 

"When a powder placed in a cylindrical vessel 
with a porous diaphragm below, is treated from 
above with a liquid capable of dissolving a portion 
of its substance, that portion of the liquid first in 
contact, in passing downward, exercises its solv- 
ent power on the successive layers of the powder 
until saturated, and is impelled downward by 
the combined force of its own gravity and that of 
the column of liquid above it, minus the capillary 
force with which the powder tends to retain it. 
If the quantity of liquid added is not more than enough to 
satisfy the capillarity, no liquid will pass the diaphragm; 
but the careful addition of liquid upon the top displaces 
that absorbed in the powder without mixing materially 
with it, and takes its place, to be in turn displaced by a 
fresh portion of liquid." 

The above, which undoubtedly is the true principle of 
percolative action, is in support of our idea that most pow- 
ders as furnished by the drug-millers to-day for percolation 
are entirely too fine, and when wet they become so dense 
as to offer too much resistance to gravity-force, the most 
important factor in the process 



PHARMACY. 



59& 



Ihe Percolator. — Almost every conceivable form of 
percolator has been devised, both as regards natural perco- 
lation, or that by natural force of gravity plus the fluid 
weight, and special or forced percolation. The history of 
the development of this most important pharmaceutical 
process, as well as the various forms of percolator, we have 
not the time or space here to discuss. We shall confine 
ourself to the description of but one form of percolator for 
each process of percolation, that of natural and forced. 
With natural percolation, our personal preference, after 
experimenting with various forms, is the cylindrical vessel 
with just enough taper from top to bottom to facilitate 
unloading, with proportion between upper diameter and 
length of 1 to 4; that is, four inches of length to every 1 
inch of diameter at the upper end, with the lower diame- 
ter inches less; which lower diameter is 
meant at the commencement of the funnel- 
shaped part. 

This is 1 made of the heaviest grade of tin 
plate. The upper end is straight for a depth 
of from H to 11 inches, sufficient to receive a 
closely-fitting lid; from this it tapers gradually 
to the lower end, which terminates in a funnel 
extremity, the end of which flares so as to 
receive a No. 6 or 7 cork, so that it can be 
thoroughly corked. A diaphragm is fitted so 
as to lie at the upper part of the funnel at the 
lower end of the percolator. This should be 
made of about No. 50 or 60 sieve wire soldered 
to a heavy iron ring. We do not use a dia- 
phragm except in very resinous drugs, much 
preferring to fill the funnel end with absorbent 
cotton, packing the drugs directly on it. This 
gives a filtered percolate, yet allows free escape 
of the fluid; the only objection being that in 
drugs with much gum-resin it is liable to be- 
come clogged, when hot water is poured on, in 
the latter stage of percolation. The cork for 
the lower end can be grooved for one-half its length, so 
that when loosened, after being corked tightly, the flow 
can be exactly regulated. 

We have three sizes of percolators made. The smallest 
is* 20 inches long; 5 inches upper, 3i inches lower diame- 
ters; and will hold one pound of drugs, leaving ample rooin 




600 



PHARMACY. 



above to hold menstruum. The medium size is 30 inches 
long; 6£ and 4 inch diameters; and will hold 3 to 5 pounds 
of drugs. The largest is 53J inches long; 10 and 8 inch 
diameters; and will hold from 30 to 40 pounds of drugs, 
giving room for menstruum above. The first size we use 
for making fluid extracts of single articles in one quart 
quantities. The second and third sizes are used for larger 
quantities of single articles, or for percolating compounds 
of several articles, in quantities. These percolators are 
given a heavy coat or two of paint on the outside, and if 
well cleaned inside after using, they are very durable and 
will not easily rust or corrode. Of course they will not 
answer well for green drugs, especially if macerated in the 
percolator. They can be made to order of glazed crockery, 
by the potter, but are heavy and must be handled care- 
fully. The best, but most expensive material, would be 
granite iron ware; these would have to be made by special 
order at the works. We have heavy tin percolators that 
have been in use for fifteen years, and many green drugs 
have been percolated in them, yet they are now bright and 
clean. 

Sometimes the drugs swell after hot water has been 
poured on them in the percolator, rendering it difficult to 

unload the vessel when 
done. This may be 
facilitated by blowing 
forcibly in the lower 
end of the percolator, 
with the vessel upside 
down. A stream from 
the hydrant turned in 
tine small end works 
well, 

A wooden frame or 
percolator rack as shown in the figure can be cheaply 
constructed by any carpenter, and is a most convenient 
arrangement 

The Centrifuge.— Of the special apparata and processes, 
we desire to call attention only to centrifugal displace- 
ment as the most thorough and rapid, far exceeding that 
of any other process with which we are acquainted. An 
apparatus can be constructed at a moderate cost that 
answers the purpose admirably. 




PHARMACY. 



601 



This figure shows a centrifugal displacer consisting of a 
heavy iron wheel grooved for a cord-belt, with a handle on 
one of the arms to turn by hand. A belt from it, guided 
by a pulley to a small belt-wheel, turns an upright shaft 
having arms at its upper end, on which is fastened a bas- 
ket or cylindrical sieve with a solid bottom; it is best 
made by covering a circular frame-work with No. 80 sieve 
wire well soldered to it. This is filled with the macerated 
drugs, secured to the arms of the revolving shaft, and 
turned at a speed of from 1,500 to 2,000 revolutions per min- 
ute, exerting a force two hundred times greater than grav- 
ity. The fluid is thus thrown from the revolving sieve 




into the enclosing vessel, whose bottom is convex and 
inclined to one side where the fluid is drawn off through a 
faucet. The large wheel, as well as small ones, with shaft, 
arms, frame, etc., can be made by a good carpenter; the 
seive and vessel can be made by a tinner, and a very cheap 
centrifuge can be thus gotten up. Any machine shop 
with foundry can furnish the wheels of iron, and by gear- 
ings a higher rate of speed and a more effective machine, 
either for hand or power, can be constructed. 

Maceration. — The essential step of percolation is, 
thorough permeation, saturation and solution 
of the therapeutic constituents of the crude 
drugs by a menstruum, or solvent liquid. 



602 PHARMACY. 

There are two ways of macerating the drugs, in the perco- 
lator, and in a separate vessel and then transferring to the 
percolator. The latter, though involving more attention 
and labor, is much to be preferred. 

To macerate in the percolator, the tops of plants, and 
fibrous barks, in moderately coarse powder is best; how- 
ever if properly managed any drug in line and moderately 
fine powder can be used. With a large piece of absorbent 
cotton in the funnel part of the percolator, which is un- 
corked, the drugs are placed in lightly, avoiding the least 
packing, and the menstruum poured on at first freely till 
it pours from the lower end of the percolator, which is 
kept open till all dropping ceases: the menstruum is again 
returned and allowed to run off freely, returning it the 
third time the percolator is tightly corked as soon as it 
commences flowing freely; all the menstruum is now 
poured on, and the percolator closed tightly at both ends, 
standing for eight to ten days, when it is percolated. 

The most effective method or maceration is done in a 
separate vessel or vessels, either mixing and changing the 
drugs thoroughly in the one vessel, or changing them from 
one vessel to the other, at intervals, so as to bring every 
part equally in contact with the menstruum, as the more 
thorough and even the saturation, the more complete will 
be its solvent action. Several macerating vessels made of 
heaviest tin plate, holding from one gallon to ten gallons, 
with closely fitting lids, should be kept for this purpose. 
The drugs should be sufficiently saturated with the men- 
struum to drip from them when removed to the percolator 
after eight or ten days' maceration. 

The percolating process varies according to the men- 
struum used, and the nature of the product desired. If 
maceration has been in the percolator, and the powder is 
dense and very fine, percolation should be slow, as it neces- 
sarily will be. If a moderately fine or coarse powder, with 
light drugs, such as leaves and stems, it may be quite 
rapid, even with percolator maceration. 

If. maceration has been very thorough, as it will be if 
properly done in macerating vessels, then rapid percolation 
is best, because the menstruum being replete with the 
solvent principles, it only remains to disengage or displace 
it from the exhausted drugs, and the quicker the better; 
for a certain amount of evaporation must take place in the 
open percolator during percolation, which means condeqs? 



PHARMACY. 603 

ation and precipitation of the solvent constituents, return- 
ing to the drugs. Practically the process may be divided 
into two stages, vix., percolating the free menstruum, 
by which is meant that portion of loaded menstruum 
which will flow from the percolator by the force of its own 
gravity; and percolating the residual menstruum, 
which is that portion retained by the force of the capillary 
attraction of the drugs, after total cessation of flow from 
the open percolator. 

During the first stage of percolation, the escape of per- 
colate should be free and unrestrained, except by the cork 
at the lower end of the percolator; the lid should not now 
be very tight, as the atmospheric pressure if not fully 
admitted to the upper part will restrain the gravity of 
the menstruum. The cork should be loosened sufficient to 
allow the fluid to drop rapidly, about 35 or 40 drops every 
fourth of a minute. 

To obtain the residual menstruum, the second stage 
of percolation, the drugs are removed by some pharmacists 
and subjected to high pressure in a drug-press. This pro- 
cess is laborious and not absolutely effective, as a certain 
amount of fluid will remain in spite of the highest press- 
ure, which in large quantities of drugs is considerable. By 
far the most thorough, rapid and convenient method is 
that of displacement in the percolator. If a fresh fluid is 
poured on the drugs after the free and fully charged men- 
struum has escaped, it will take the place of the residual 
menstruum, because the capillarity of the drugs will pre- 
fer the fresh fluid to that of the denser loaded residual 
menstruum. Cold or hot water answers perfectly for 
displacing the residual menstruum, and is inexpensive. 
Boiling water is much to be preferred for residual dis- 
placement, though in drugs containing a large amount of 
resinous matter, clogging of the percolator is apt to occur, 
and warm or cold water must be used. During this stage, 
percolation should be much more rapid, with the lid partly 
removed so as to allow free atmospheric pressure; the cork 
should be sufficiently withdrawn to allow a small siream 
to escape. 

Centrifugal Displacement. — After thorough macera- 
tion, the drugs are placed in the centrifuge and the 
machine revolved by hand or power, at its highest speed, 
until all the fluid ceases to escape, which will usually take 
from three to five minutes; then boiling water is poured 



604 PHARMACY. 

carefully in the centre of the revolving vessel, in quantity 
sufficient to make up the total of fluid extract to be ob- 
tained, the machine being kept at a speed sufficient to 
allow the fluid to gravitate slowly to the bottom of the 
Vessel while being poured on; then it is worked at its high- 
est speed for three to five minutes longer. In this process 
the residual mensl r^uum can be almost absolutely dis- 
placed and the drugs Come out of the machine dry. 

The fluid extracts for Physio-Medical use we will desig : 
nate, with regard to the menstruum used, as Normal 1 or 
Non- Alcoholic, Saturated and Expressed 

Normal Fluid Extracts are those made with boiling 
water as the menstruum, to the percolate is added a pre- 
servative, and the product is finished. As we have before 
explained, boiling water is the only menstruum that ex- 
tracts the full complement of medicinal constituents of 
vegetable drugs as combined in the organic genesis of veg- 
etable growth and development. Hence we call such a 
preparation a normal fluid extract. 

Alcoholic Fluid Extracts.— According to Physio-Med- 
ical philosophy, the formula for alcoholic fluid extracts is. 
a menstruum with the smallest percentage of alcohol that 
will thoroughly preserve the product; the other constitu- 
ents of the menstruum being water alone, or in combina- 
tion with some other solvent. This menstruum is used 
for drugs containing resins and gUms in considerable quan- 
tity, upon Which more or less of their medicinal qualities 
depend. 

Saturated Fluid Extracts.— These are made by a men- 
struum, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, poured over a definite 
quantity of drugs, to the extent of covering the mass, and 
allowed to stand closely covered for an indefinite time, 
being decanted off as used, or finally filtered off from the 
drugs. This process is advantageous for drugs whose 
medicinal qualities depend almost wholly on gums and 
resins, such as gum kino or gum guaiacum. 

: Expressed Fluid Extracts are those made from oily or 
succulent drugs, such as seeds, fruits, and green plants. 
The materials are bruised in a mortar, ground in a drug- 
mill, Or cooked into a pulp, a greater or less quantity of 
some form of menstruum incorporated with it, and the 
whole displaced with the centrifuge, or a drug-press. 



PHARMACY. 605 

Formula for Normal Fluid Extracts, e. g. Extrac- 
tum Scvtelario3. Fluidum ' Normdlis; Normal 

Fluid Extract Scutelaria Lateriflora. 

J i \ 

Scutelarja No. ;50 (.moderately fine) powder , , lb. 1 
Boiling Water fld. oz. 32 

Salicylic Acid (( . v ... .. ; , :% ., . M . oz. av. It 

Nitrate potassium . oz. av. 2 

Sodium Sulphate / ,. oz. av. lj 

• Place , the powder A n. a macerator; pour on the boiling 
waller, stirring thoroughly; cover tightly and keep, hot in 
hoc water or a steam path, at a temperature of 160 F., for 
ten pr twel.ve hours; transfer to a percolator, or much 
better, the .centrifuge, and .displace 32 fluid ounces while 
jhot, adding more boiling water if necessary. Mix and 
triturate thoroughly together the salicylic acid, nitrate 
potassium and sodium sulphate, and add to the 32 ounces 
of percolate, after it is cold, let stand'24 hours and filter. 
Dose 20 drops to a teaspoonfu'l. 

s These fluid extracts keep well during the hottest 
weather, in.this climate; they mix readily in any quantity 
of cold or hot water without turbidity or sediment; the 
preservatives in no way interfere with their action, as 
alcohol does in many delicate constitutions; in fact they 
favor the therapeutic potency of many drugs. , In testing 
the strength of these, by taste, compared with the strong 
alcoholic fluid extracts, as many most erroneously under- 
take to do, the pungent,; irritating effect of the alcohol 
upon the mucous membrane of the tongue and mouth 
must not be mistaken for drug-strength; of course if tested 
by such a misleading method these fluid extracts would 
indeed seem flat and weak. But a thorough, practical, 
bed-side test of these preparations by Physio-Medical pre- 
scribers will pro^e them to be quickly and kindly assimi- 
lated, without any local, irritation of the mucous surfaces, 
and prompt and efficient in their therapeutic influence. 
If our physicians will, only give these formal Fluid Ex T 
tracts,, which are distinctively Physio-Medical, a thorough 
trial, the strong, poisonous, alcoholic fluid extracts of the 
Alopathic pharmacies would soon disappear from the 
Ifhysio-Medicalists' shelves. 

Almost all of our vegetable agents yield excellent Nor- 
mal Fluid Extracts. The following list of agents are spe- 
cially suited to this method of treatment: 



606 PHARMACY. 

Apocynum And., Apocynum Can., Anthemis Nob., Ara- 
lia Rac, Asclepias Tub., Arctium Lap., Baptisia Tinct , 
Berberis Aq., Barosma Cre., Capsella Bursa Pas., Celastrus 
Scan., Chelone Glab., Caulophyllum Thai., Capsicum An., 
Collinsonia Can., CascaraSag., Cypripedium Pub., Cimicif- 
uga Rac, Dioscorea Vil., Eupatorium Perf., Eupatorium 
Purp., Euonymous Atro-, Gentiana Lut , Hamamelis Virg., 
Helonias Dio., Hydrastis Can., Jeffersonia Dipli., Lirioden- 
dron Tul., Leptandra Virg., Lobelia Infl. Herb, Lobelia 
Infl.'Sem... Lycopus Europ., Lycopus Virg., LeonurusCard , 
Mitchella Rep., Myrica Cerif., Nepeta Cat., Nectandra 
Rod., Phytolacca Dec. Rad., Polemonium Rep., Polygona- 
tum Gigan., Polygonum Hyd., Prunus Virg., Podophyllum 
Pel., Ptelea Trifol., Quercus Alba, Rhus Glab., Rumex 
Crisp., Rubus Strig., Senecio Aur., Soiidago Can., Salix 
Alba, Salix Nigra, Stigmata May., Taraxacum Off., Trilli- 
um Erec, Turnera Micro., Valeriana Off, Viburnum 
Pruni., Viburnum Op., Verbascum Tliap., Xanthoxylum 
Frax. Cort., Zingiber Off. 

Alcoholic Fluid Extracts are made with a menstruum 
containing a greater or less percentage of alcohol 
as a solvent for certain therapeutic qualities of 
the drug treated. 

Absolute or undiluted alcohol as a menstruum possesses 
no solvent action on the medicinal constituents of vegeta- 
ble drugs, except the resins and pigments. Its action upon 
the bioplasm and intercellular substances, which consti- 
tute by far the most valuable therapeutic constituency, is 
to so change them both in physical and chemical charac- 
teristics, as to render them absolutely inert therapeutic- 
ally. This is not mere theoretical speculation The proof 
of this important fact is not difficult. 

Make a section at the apex-node of a growing plant-stem, 
mount on a microscopic slide with a damp chamber, in 
Wolf's nutrient fluid, some of the fresh cells, and many 
naked bioplasts are seen in the free cell-sap. Place under 
the microscope with a one-eight objective; now add 
gradually absolute alcohol, and note that the bioplasm, 
both naked and in the cell-nucleus, becomes contracted 
into a dense, opaque mass, and that the alcohol has no 
solvent action on the bioplasm, or other intercellular con- 
tents. Prepare another slide in the same manner, but 
instead of absolute alcohol use hot water; the bioplasm 



PHARMACY. 607 

swells, and finally disappears in solution, together with 
the intercellular contents. 

Take a section of the same plant, at the same point, 
freshly dried and moistened with the same nutrient fluid: 
place it under the same magnifying power, and note that 
the bioplasm and intercellular contents are in a semi- 
transpirent and opaque— desiccated — state, having a dull 
amber color. Now saturate the section with absolute 
alcohol, anc 1 note the contraction of these parts, atid the 
absence of any solvent action upon the bioplasm and cell 
contents. Proceed in the same way with another slide, 
except to use boiling water instead of alcohol, and note 
the prompt solvent action upon these constituents. 

Lastly, take a quantity of fresh dried drugs, divide into 
two equal portions, treat one with absolute alcohol as a 
menstruum, and the wther with boiling water; with equal 
quantities of each as a dose, test them therapeutically on 
the same patient, and you will no longer doubt the scien- 
tific accuracy of our position. 

However, there are important therapeutic constituents 
resident in the gums and resins, and although boiling 
water will extract a considerable percentage of both, and 
quite sufficient for therapeutic purposes in most cases, yet 
there are some drugs containing quite a large quantity of 
these gums and resins, that it is desirable to obtain more 
than can be done by the treatment of normal fluid ex- 
tracts. In such drugs the alcohol answers the double pur- 
pose of a solvent and preservative. 

Glycerin possesses a far more powerful solvent action 
upon the gams than. alcohol, the latter's chief solvent ac- 
tion being upon resins. Sugar has a considerable solvent 
action on gums, when it is dissolved in water in the form 
of a thin syrup. So that it is best to have a menstruum of 
alcohol, water and glycerin in equal quantities 
for drugs containing gums and resins. Again, where 
the gums predominate largely, and glycerin is objection- 
able in considerable quantity, the menstruum is made of 
alcohol, water and sugar. ■. 

Formula for Alcoholic Fluid Extracts, e.g. Ex- 
tractum Aristolochio3 Fluidum Alcoholicuin; Al- 
coholic Fluid Extract Aristolchia Serpentarid. 

Serpentaria No. 60 powder lb. av. 1 

Alcohol fid. oz. 16 

Water, preferably distilled fid. oz. 22 ,. ,, 



608 PHARMACY. 

Place the powder in a macerator, mix the alcohol and 
water, and while yet warm from the energy of union pour 
the whole quantity over the drugs, mixing thoroughly; let 
stand closely covered for eight or ten days, mixing and 
changing so as to bring the lower and wetter portions to 
the top. This is best done by transferring to another 
macerating vessel. Transfer to the percolator, which has 
been prepared with a large piece of absorbent cotton satu- 
rated with menstruum and placed loosely in the funnel end 
of the percolator, and covered with a layer of clean mod- 
erately fine sand Packing should be djne evenly and 
slowly, layer by layer. Rinse the macerator out with 
menstruum and pour on the drugs, after all are in. 

Loosen the cork, immediately after the percolator is 
packed, sufficient to allow a flow of 30 or 40 drops per quar- 
ter minute; keep up the percolation at this rate till all the 
tree menstruum has escaped, and dropping ceases; now 
pour on hot wa'er at about 180 deg. F. until 32 ounces of 
percolate is obtained, which constitutes the full comple- 
ment of fluid extract. The percolation may be continued 
until 12 ounces more is obtained, to which sufficient gran- 
ulated sugar is added to mike 16 ounces. Thu makes an 
elixir of considerable strength, and is excellent in dispens- 
ing combinations of agents in syrups, etc. The centrifuge 
may be used instead of the percolator, being more rapid. 
Dose of alcoholic fluid extract 20 drops to a teaspoonful. 
Dose of elixir £ to 1 teaspoonful. 

Of the agents best treated by the above method the fol- 
lowing are typical: 

Abies Can., Amygdalus Pers., Apium Grav., Alalia Rao., 
Arctium Lap. Sem., Asarum Can., Barosma Cren., Cascara 
Sag., Chelone Glab., Fucus Ves., Gentiana Och., Glycyr- 
rhiza Glab., Guaiacum Lig., Hamamelis Virg., Hedeoma 
Pul., Helianthus. Leonurus Card., Leptandra Virg., Men- 
tha Pip., Nectandra Rod., Nepeta Cut., Piper Ang., Pole- 
monium Rep., Ptelea Trif., Rubus Stri., Rumex Cris., 
Salix 'N.ig., Sanguinaria Can., Senna Alex., Solidago Can., 
Trillium Erec, Turnera Micro., Valeriana Off., Xanthox- 
ylum Bac, Zingiber Off. 

Formula for Glycero- Alcoholic Fluid Extracts, 
Extr 'actum Myrrhce Fluidwm; Glycero- Alco- 
holic Fluid Extract Gum Myrrh. 

Gum Myrrh No, 50 powder lb, av. 1 



PHARMACY. 601 

Alcohol fid. oz. 10 

Glycerin fld. oz. 8 

Water fld. oz. 20 

Place the powder in a macerator; mix the three constit- 
uents of menstruum and pour over the drugs, mixing 
thoroughly. Let stand ten days, changing the drugs so aa 
to insure thorough and even maceration. 

Displace with the centrifuge, obtaining 32 fluid ounces 
of fluid extract, Or transfer to the percolator, with a fine 
wire diaphragm over the funnel end, filled with absorbent 
cotton moistened with menstruum, and obtain 32 fluid 
ounces of fluid extract. 

The percolation or displacement may be continued with 
hot water, obtaining 12 ounces of percolate, in which dis- 
solve granulated sugar a sufficient quantity to make IS 
fluid ounces of elixir gum myrrh. Dose of glycero- 
alcohotic fluid extract 20 drops to a teaspoon ful; of elixir 
one-half teaspoonful to a tablespoonful. 

The following are typical agents for this treatment: 

Asafoetida, Balsam Peruvianum, Balsam Tolutanum, 
Benzoinum, Gum Guaiacum, Pix Bergundia. Pix Canaden- 
sis, Styrax. 

Formula for Saccharo- Alcoholic Fluid Extract, 
e. £• Saccharo -Alcoholic Fluid Extract Kino. 

Gum Kino No. 40 powder lb. av. 1 

Alcohol fld. oz 10 

Water fld. oz. 20 

Granulated Sugar oz. av. 10 

Mix the alcohol and water, and dissolve the sugar in the 
mixture. Place the powder in a glass percolator, funnel 
end filled with moistened absorbent cotton. Pour on the 
menstruum with the percolator tightly corked. Cover the 
percolator and macerate for ten or twelve days; percolate 
slowly, obtaining 32 fluid ounces, adding cold water to the 
drugs if necessary. 

The following are some of the drugs that may be treaied 
by this menstruum: 

Angelica, Balm of Gilead Buds, Balsam Tolu, Cinnamon, 
Cloves, Gum Benzoin, Juniper Bjrries, Myrrh, Orange 
Peel, Pimenta, Phytolacca Berries dried, Xanthoxylum 
Berries. 

These fluid extracts will be found amply efficient thera- 
peutically, even in the same dnse as the strong alcoholic 



610 PHAKMA.CY. 

fluid extracts, which are so heavily loaded with resin, 
largely inert matter, that they are inelegant and unwieldy 
in dispensing. They cannot be added to even a syrup 
without rendering it turbid and unsightly. All this class 
of agents, though largely gum-resinous, it is a mistake to 
suppose that this constituent holds all their medicinal 
qualities. These glycero-alcoholic and saccharo-alcoholic 
fluid extracts represent the total therapeutic values of 
this class of drugs in their normal genesis. Besides, they 
are easily handled in prescribing. They mix readily, even 
with cold water, in most cases without the least turbidity: 
they combine with syrups and elixirs, making elegant 
preparations. Dose one-third to one teaspoonful. 

Saturated Fluid Extracts, e. g. Saturated 
Fluid Extract Phytolacca Radix, Green. 

Phytolacca Root, green, cut in thin slices lbs. f> 
Alcohol pts. 2 

Water pts. 3 

Put the sliced root in a jug or demijohn of proper size: 
mix the alcohol and water, and while yet warm from the 
energy of their union pour over the drugs, cork tightly, 
and with frequent shaking it is ready for use. After ten 
to fourteen days the fluid maybe drained of? by placing 
the drugs in the centrifuge, or in a percolator, with the 
funnel end filled with absorbent cotton. Hot or cold 
water is poured on after dropping ceases, till the full com- 
plement of Ave pints of saturated fluid extract is obtained. 
Dose 5 to 30 drops. 

Aurum Trif. green, Balm of Gilead Buds (Abies Balsam- 
ea), Capsella Bursa Past, green, Capsicum An. Pods, Gum 
Myrrh, Juglans Cin. bark of root, green, Lobelia Sem. 
whole, Sanguinaria Can. green root. Stigmata Maydis 
green. 

All fluid extracts from the green agents should be made 
by this formula. They should be cut into the smallest 
possible transverse sections, pods, berries and seeds being 
slightly bruised in a mortar. 

Expressed Fluid Extracts. 

This method of pharmaceutical treatment is suitable 
for such agents as ripe berries, fruits and succulent green 
plants. Fruits and berries are used in the fresh state, 
whole: plants and leaves are cut into fine transverse sec- 



PHARMACY. 611 

trions. Digestion or cooking by slow and constant heat, is 
the essential step of the process; after which the menstru- 
um or medicinal fluid is expressed or displaced by the cen- 
trifuge or a drug-press. The centrifuge is the most rapid 
and fully as thorough as a drug press, and quite as cheap 
as the regular drug-presses; yet the lard-press, consisting 
of a screw press turned by a crank, and cog-wheels, which 
may be gotten at the hardware stores, is cheaper than the 
centrifuge, and does very well on a small scale of manu- 
facturing. 

After thorough digestion by slow heat, the drugs are 
transferred to a displacer, and the fluid obtained; the 
product is finished by adding some kind of antiseptic or 
preservative; in most instances this being sugar, which is 
also an excellent solvent; it is added before the digestive 
process. 

Of course the medicinal strength of these products is 
not very definite — no attempt has yet been made at stand- 
ardization, and fruits and berries especially are difficult to 
assay. The following formula for different articles and 
combinations, treated by this method, is aimed to estab- 
lish a more definite standard: the principle of which is that 
one fluid pound of the finished product shall rep- 
resent two pounds avoirdupois of the agent in its 
fresh state; e. g. Extr actum Fluidum Phytolacca 
Expressidum; Expressed Fluid Extract Phytolac- 
ca Berries- 

Phytolacca Berries ripe and fresh lbs. 16 
Water pt s. 2 

Sugar, granulated lbs. i 

Place the berries in a suitable vessel, granite iron pref- 
erably, with cover; dissolve the susar in the water, well 
heated, and pour over them. Digest, or cook slowly, on 
steam or hot water bath, for three or four hours. Trans- 
fer to the centrifuge, or a drug-press, and obtain all the 
fluid. If more than one gallon, reduce by evaporation; if 
less, add boiling water in the centrifuge or pre.^s till suffi- 
cient is obtained to make a gallon of the finished product. 
This may be flavored with advantage therapeutic illy, by 
essence sassafras, reducing 6 ounces below one gallon and 
adding that quantity of the essence. 

Other drugs that are therapeutically and pharmaceuti- 
cal]}' compatible may be combined, and a very elegant and 
convenient product obtained. The following, for ex mrJe, 



612 PHATCMA.CY. 

which is valuable in molecular and nervous rheumatism: 
it is also efficient as an antifat. 

Expressed Fluid Extract Phytolacca Bac. Comp. 

Phytolacca Berries, fresh and ripe lbs. av. 8 
Fucns Marina lbs. av. 4 

Senna Alex. No. 40 powder lbs. av. 4 

Water pts. 5 

Sugar, granulated lbs. av. 4 

Dissolve the sugar in the water, hot, and pour over the 
drugs in a suitable vessel, digest over a hot water or steam 
bath for six or eight hours; transfer to the centrifuge or 
drug-press, and obtain the fluid, which, by evaporation, or 
the addition of boiling water in displacement, must be 
made to measure one gallon. Flavor with essence sassa- 
fras if desired. 
Dose, a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful. 
Of the fruits that may be treated by this method, the 
following compound, a valuable tonic laxative, is given as 
typical: 

Expressed Fluid Extract Bromelia Compound. 

Pineapples, ripe and fresh 3 

Tamarind lbs. 3 

Rhus Glabra Berries, fresh and ripe lbs. 2 
Senna Alex. No. 40 powder lbs. 2 

Water gal. 1 

Sugar, granulated lbs. 6 

Place the tamarind, rhus glab. berries and senna in 
a suitable vessel, pour on water and digest, closely covered, 
over steam or water bath, for ten hours. The pineapples 
are previously cut in thin slices and covered with the 
sugar, standing closely covered, while digesting the drugs. 
Incorporate the pineapple with the drugs while hot, as 
they are transferred to the centrifuge or drug-press, and 
obtain the fluid, which should, by the addition of boiling 
water in the press or centrifuge, be made to measure one 
gallon of finished fluid extract. 
Dose a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful. 

Agents to be Treated by This Method. 

Amygdalus Pers. Fruc, Bromelia And., Cassia Fistu., 
Ficu<« Car., Fragaria Fruc, Pepo Sem., Phytolacca Bac. 
Prunus Ar. Fruc. Prunus Dom., Rheum Green Stems, 



PHARMACY. 613 

Rhus Glab. Bac. fresh, Ribes Fruc, Rubus Stri. Fruc, 
Rubus Vil. Fruc, Senna Alex, green, Xanthoxylum Bac. 
green. 

ELIXIRS- 

Practically we divide elixirs into vehicle? and medici 
rial elixirs. Vehicles or solvents are oreparations of 
water, sugar and alcohol, intended to take up and hold in 
solution soluble inorganic substances, to act as adjuvants, 
aiding the therapeutic efficiency of medicinal combina- 
tions, and to disguise and render palatable unpleasan^ 
agents. These we divide into simple elixirs, being the 
plain combination of alcohol, water and sigar; aromatic 
elixirs, or the addition of aromatic flavoring to a simple 
elixir; and adjuvants, or accessory elixirs, containing sub- 
stances that aid the therapeutic action of other agents. 

Medicinal Elixirs are those which contain the medic- 
inal properties, in definite therapeutic potency, of one or 
more agents in a menstruum which answers the purpose 
of an elixir at the same time. 

Elixir Simplex; 

Distilled Water pts. 4i 

Alcohol oz. 38 

Granulated Sugar lbs. av. 2£ 

Heat the water to boiling point, dissolve the sugar, 
strain while hot; add the alcohol when cold. 

Flavoring for Aromatic Elixir. 

Oil of Orange dr. iv 

Oil Caraway 
Oil Coriander 

Oil Cassia aa. dr. ii 

Oil Anise dr. i 

Alcohol oz. xx 

Mix the oils and add to the alcohol. 

Aromatic Elixir. 

Flavoring oz. 1 

Alcohol oz. 38 

Water, distilled pts. 4i 

Granulated Sugar lbs. 2i 

Carbonate of Magnesia oz. £ 

Dissolve the flavoring in 2 ounces of the alcohol and 



614 PHARM4CY. 

pour over the magnesia in a mortar, a little at a time, 
triturating thoroughly; mix the balance of the alcohol 
with the water and triturate 2 pints of it in successive 
small quantities with the magnesia in the mortar; filter 
all into the remainder of the alcohol and water, add and 
dissolve the sugar; filter through two or three layers of 
clean white flannel, or coarse filtering paper. 

Adjuvant Elixirs; e. g. Elixir Glycyrrhiza Rad- 

Peeled Licorice Root, No. 40 powder lbs. 3 

Water a sufficient quantity 

Granulated Sugar lbs 2 

Alcohol pt. 1 

Place the drug in a suitable vessel, dissolve the sugar in 
2 pints of water, pour over the drugs and boil gently, well 
covered, for five or six hours; transfer to the centrifuge or 
a percolator, and treat with boiling water until 4 pints are 
©btained, to which when cold add the alcohol and strain 
through flannel. 

This is an excellent base for cough syrups, etc., and is a 
powerful solvent and disguiser of quinine, salacine, etc. 

Elixir Glycyrrhiza- 

From Remington's Pharmacy, "unofficinal" list. 

F. E. Glycyrrhiza fid. oz. 2 

Alcohol fid. oz. 4 

Syrup fid. oz. 6 

Oil Cloves min. 10 

Oil Cinnamon min. 5 

Oil Nutmeg min. 12 

Water q. s. fid. oz. 16 

tut- • 

Mix. 

Elixir Tolutana. 

Balsam Tolu coarse powder oz. 8 

Alcohol 

Water aa. pts. 2 

Granulated Sugar lbs. % 1\ 

Mix the alcohol and water and macerate the balsam 24 
bours, shaking frequently; add the sugar, macerate 10 or 
12 hours, shaking frequently, and filter through one 'or two 
layers of white flannel. 



PHARMACY. 615 

Elixir Auranti; Orange Peel. 
Fresh dried Orange Peel, bruised in 

a mortar to a coarse powder lbs. av. 2 
Water pts. 2 

Alcohol pt. 1 

Glycerin oz av. 8 

Oil Orange fid. dr. 2 

Pulverized Sugar lbs. 1£ 

Mix the water, alcohol and glycerin together and dis- 
solve the sugar in it, reserving 6 ounces of sugar; pour 
over the orange peel in a macerating vessel and macerate 
three days: displace with centrifuge or percolator, using 
hot water to obtain 4f pints. Triturate the oil of orange 
with the 6 ounces reserved sugar, and dissolve in the per- 
colate, by first rubbing in the mortar by small additions 6 
or 8 ounces of the fluid. Strain through white flannel. 

Elixir Primus; Wild Cherry Baric. 

Prunus Vir., fresh bark, No. 40 powder lbs. 2 
Water pts. 2 

Alcohol pt. 1 

Granulated Sugar lbs. 2 

Mix the water, alcohol and sugar, pour over the drugs in 
a macerator. macerate four :\v five days, and displace with 
centrifuge or percolator (see saccharo-alcoholic fluid ex- 
tract), using boiling water, if necessary, to obtain 5 pints. 
This is an excellent adjunct to combinations tor 
coughs, colds, and for pulmonary compounds. 

Medicinal Elixirs. 
The U. S. Dispensatory, and Pharmacopoeia, define 
elixirs to be ''aromatic spirituous sweetened preparations 
containing small quantities of active m?dicinal sub- 
stances.'' This definition of an elixir is incorrect, because 
it is not in accord with the theory or practice of pharmacy 
and not consistent with their own therapeutics. For the 
U. S. Dispensatory, page 537. xv. edition, after admitting 
that "the object sought in the modern elixir is agree- 
ableness of taste," and to attain this, therapeutic values 
have been almost wholly sacrificed. >ays, "their principal 
activity is due to the alcohol, which has proved in many 
cases very injurious. These considerations have hereto- 
fore prevented an official recognition of elixirs, and the 
present Pharmacopoeia recognizes but one: i. e., elixir of 



616 PHALiMACY. 

orange, which has been introduced merely as a vehicle. 
Owing to their extensive use by practitioners all over the 
country, it becomes necessary to notice some of the most 
important in this commentary." 

The above is one of the many instances of the fallacy, 
not to say ridiculousness, of sectarian "authority" at- 
tempting to dominate the utility of therapeutics. But 
owing to the extensive preference by the profession all 
over the country for this valuable product — medicinal 
elixirs— the TJ. S. Dispensatory is compelled to give them 
notice, but pushes them off in the smallest type in an un- 
conspicuous place, because, forsooth, they have not yet 
received that mystic stamp "Ofiiicinal". If these gentle- 
men could be distracted from the officinal whip, to the de- 
mands of advanced medical practice, they might be led to 
discern the difference between therapeutic value, and 
pharmaceutical elegance, medicinal potency and alcoholic 
pungency. 

From the Physio-Medical standpoint, as explained in the 
beginning of this work, we learn that medicinal strength, 
or more properly speaking therapeutic utility, does not 
mean concentrated pharmaceutical products. Not to men- 
tion the baleful influence of alcohol in the highly alcoholic 
preparations, even a sanative agent in a highly concen- 
trated form will, especially if its administration be long 
continued, expend its influence so locally upon the periph- 
eral nerves of the mucous structures of the digestive 
tract, as to excite violent resistive and repulsive efforts, 
obstructing its assimilation and broader therapeutic influ- 
ence, the agent being rejected by the Vital Force, and 
the physician is thwarted, although his selection of the a- 
gent were highly proper. Remembering these facts we 
realize the value of a fluid preparation affording the broad 
constituency of the drug in normal proportions, with as 
much palatableness and elegance as is consistent with 
these essential therapeutic requirements. Such a prepar- 
ation w may have in a properly prepared Medicinal Elixir. 

In consideration of these facts we shall detiLe a Physio- 
Medical Elixir to be, a normal fluid preparation of vegeta- 
ble agents, with water as a menstruum, containing suffici- 
ent alcohol and sugar, as a preservative to also render the 
product as palatable as consistent with therapeutic ef- 
ficiency; with a standard strength of one pound avoirdupois 
of. the drug to sixty-four fluid ounces of the finished pro- 



PHARMACY. 61* 

duct. This gives a dosage of 2 grains to the fluid drachm. 
Typical Formula for Medicinal Elixirs single 
agents. 

E. g. Elixir Gentiana Lutea. 

Gentian. No. 50 powder, lb. av. ] 

Water a sufficient quantity. 

Alcohol pt. 1 

Granulated sugar, lbs. 4 

Mix one pint of water with the alcohol and pour over the 
drugs in a macerating vessel, macerate for 8 or 10 days 
transfer to the centrifuge, or a percolator, and when all 
displacement ceases pour on boiling water, setting aside 
the first quart obtained, continue the displacement with 
boiling water until 12 ounces are obtained, dissolve the 
sugar in this, add to the first percolate, and strain 
through white flannel. 

This should measure 1 pints of the finished elixir; if 
therefore, after adding the sugar it is not enough, more 
percolate may be added. 
Dose one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful. 

Elixir Compounds. 
All fluid compounds such as the so called "Compound 
Syrup of Stillingia," Compound Syrup of Mitchella" etc. 
which, as they are now made, are not syrups, but elixirs; a 
true medicinal syrup is a different product. They should be 
standarized and made as elixirs. We submit the following 
combinations, so popular with the Physic-Medical profes- 
sion, made on the standard strength of 1 lb. av. of drug to 
64 fluid ounces, 4 pints of finished elixir — 2 lb. of drug per 
gallon of elixir, and as they have all originated with the 
Physio-Medical School, we do not hesitate to name them 
Standard Physio-Medical Compound Elixirs- 

e. g. Elixir Mitchella Compound. 

Mitchella, No. 50 powder, 

Viburnum Op., No. 50 powder, 

Caulophyllum, ' " " 

Cypripedium, " " " 

Helonias " " " 

Water a sufficient quanity. 

Alcohol 

Granulated Sugar, 
Place the mixed drugs in a macerating vessel, mixtenpts. 
of water with the alcohol and pour over them, macerate 
for 8 or 10 days, changing them every other day so as to i«r- 



lb. 


av. 4 




aa 


lbs. av 




aa 


lb. av. 


1 


ptt> 


. 10 




lbs 


20 





618 



PHARMACY. 



sure thorough saturation, transfer to a centrifuge or per- 
colator, after displacement ceases pour on boiling water, 
set aside the first 20 pints of fluid, continue the displace- 
ment with boiling water as menstruum till 12 pints and 
10 ounces are obtained in which dissolve the sugar and add 
to the first percolate, strain through white flannel. 
Dose a teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful. 

Elixir Stillingia Compound. 

Stillingia, No. 50 powder lbs. av. 3 

Iris Vers, " " " 

Corydalis, " 60 " aa lbs. av. 2 

Pipsissewa, " " '■ 

Sambucus Flow. No. 40 powder* 

Xanthoxylum Bac, No. 40 powder aa lb. 1 

Water a sufficient quantity. 

Alcohol, pts. 10 

Granulated Sugar, ibs. 2 » 

Place the mixed drugs in a suitable vessel and macerate 
for 8 or 10 days, mixing them every other day, to insure 
thorough saturation; transfer to the centrifuge, or perco- 
lator, and after displacement ceases, continue with boiling 
water, setting aside the first 20 pints, continue with boil- 
ing water till 12 pints and 10 ounces are obtained, in which 
dissolve the sugar and add to first percolate, strain through 
a white flannel strainer. 
Dose, a teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful. 
The following formula we have used for a number of 
years, and have found it reliable in all scrofulous, and 
syphilitic troubles. 

Elixir Stillingia Compound. 

Stillingia, No. 50 powder lbs. av. 2 

Lappa Maj. Had. No. 50 powder 

Lapp Maj. Seeds, " " " aa lb. av. 1 

Sanguinaria Can., •' " '• lbs. av. H 

Iris vers, " " 

Pipsissewa, " " 

Corydalis, " " 

Coriander, una aa lb. a v. 

Xanthoxylum Ber., No. 40 powder lb. ar. £ 

Granulated Sugar, lbs. 25 

Alcohol, pts. 10 

Water a sufficient quantity. 



PHARMACY. 619 

Mix ten pints of water with the alcohol and pour over the 
mixed drugs in a macerating vessels let stand for 8 or 10 
days mixing frequently, transfer to the centrifuge or per- 
colator, treat with boiling water, set aside the first 20 
pints, continue till 12 pints more have passed, in which 
dissolve the sugar, add to it more percolate if necessary to 
make 5 gallons when the first percolate is added, then 
strain through flannel. 

Elixir Rhei et Potassce Compound. 

There seems to be no definite standard of strength, or 
formula for this most valuable and popular compound, like 
many other of our compounds; and it seems that Physio- 
Medicalists must wait till theU. S. Pharmacopoeia sets its 
"Officinal Seal." 

The following we present as a standard formula for a 
Physio-Medical Compound Elixir of Rhubarb and Potassa. 

Elixir Rhei et Potassce Compound, Neutralizing 
Mixture, Physio-Medical. 

Rhubarb, No. 50 powder lbs. av. 6 

Columbo, " " " 

Ginseng, " " " 

Peppermint, fresh dried herb 

Or, Oil Peppermint, 

Bicarbonate Potassa, 

Alcohol, 

Water, a sufficient quantity 

Granulated Sugar, lbs. av. 25 

Mix the alcohol with 10 pints of water and pour over 
the mixed drugs in a macerating vessel, macerate for 5 or 
7 days, mixing frequently, transfer to the centrifuge or a 
percolator and treat with boiling water, after first dis- 
placement ceases, setting aside the first 20 oz., continue 
till 12 pints more are obtained, in which dissolve the sug- 
ar, adding more percolate if necessary, to make 5 gallons 
in all, mix with first percolate and strain through flannel. 
If the oil of peppermint is used, it is to be poured in the 
absorbent cotton that is placed in the funnel end of the 
percolator, rubbing, picking, and triturating the oil 
through it thoroughly. 
Dose, one half to one teaspoon ful. 

Tha Physio Medical Dispensatory, page 661, gives the 



aa lbs. av. 


U 


lbs. av. 


2 


oz. k 




lbs. av. 


2 


pts. 10 





62) 



PHARMACY. 






following formulae for Syrup Rhubarb and Potassa, Neu- 
tralizing Cordial, 

Rhubarb, well crushed, four ounces: dried peppermint herb 
eight ounces (or the green herb four ounces;) golden seal 
and cinnamon, each, one ounce. Macerate for two days 
with one quart of brandy, or with the same quantity of 40 
per cent, alcohol. Transfer to a percolator, treat with wa- 
ter and set aside the first pint and a half. Continue the 
process with water until three quarts have passed, express 
the dregs, add four pounds of sugar and dissolve at a gen- 
tle heat, evaporating until the addition of the first liquid 
shall make a gallon. When cold, mix the liquors and add 
one ounce and a half of bicarbonate (not carbonate) of po- 
tassa. The addition of the alkali turns the whole syrup 
deep red: and occasions a flocculent precipitate to remove 
which the whole may afterward be filtered through flannel; 
though in practice this sediment may be allowed to remain- 
and shaken up when used, as it contains no inconsiderable 
power though not so palatable as many desire. 

On page 662 it also gives a formula of Dr. FT. H. Hill, 
which has 2 ounces each of rhubarb and carbonate of po- 
tassa; one ounce each of golden seal and cinnamon to a 
gallon of brandy, four pounds of sugar, and twenty drops 
oil of peppermint. 

There is two little rhubarb in both these formulas, and 
and the large amount of spirits in both, especially brandy, 
when we remember that this preparation is largely used 
for stomach and intestinal troubles of children, is mostob- 
jectionible. Besides the process of treatment particular- 
ly the first formula is laborious and yields an inelegant 
product. 

This standardization of our Physio-Medical agents and 
compounds, into medicinal elixirs, with two pounds of the 
crude ground drugs to the fluid gallon of finished elixir, 
will, we feel confident, meet the approbation of the general 
profession. This gives a preparation of ample strength 
for ordinary purposes; for extra cases the dose can be in- 
creased, or they can be made of double strength, and yet 
the same proportionate standard maintained. These elix- 
irs are especially adapted to the treatment of chronic cases 
requiring long continued administration, as they will be 
tolerated locally by the mucous membrane without un- 
pleasant local effects. 



PHARMACY. 621 

SYRUPS. 

Simple and Medicinal. 

The object of simple syrups, like that of simple elixirs, 
is that of a vehicle, solvent, preservative, and to disguise 
the unpleasant taste of medicines. They are also used as 
excipients, forming the mass and consistency of pills, sup- 
pesitories etc. 

A medicinal syrup, we shall define to be, a fluid prepara- 
tion in which large quantities of sugar have been added as 
a preservative to a decoction, which when finished, one 
pint will represent one pound avoirdupois of the drug used 

This establishes sufficient practical difference pharma- 
ceutical^ and therapeutically, between Medicinal Syrups 
and Elixirs: and also we have a definite standard 
strengths medicinally established on a therapeutical 
basis, instead of the now solely pharmaceutical standpoint, 
of heretofore vague and indefinite "shotgun" combina- 
tions and mongrel pharmaceutical products, 

Simple Syrups- 
Simple syrups may be divided into two kinds, the plain 
or simple syrup and the aromatic syrup. 

There is much variation among pharmacists as to the 
quantity of sugar, and method of preparing simple 
syrups. But the most lamentable fact .is that the druggists, 
a very large per cent, of whom, be it said to the discredit of 
the medical profession who tolerate and patronize them, 
have never been inside a college of pharmacy: they are 
the most pretentious class of drug venders. Unblushingly 
they appropriate prescriptions of their physician patrons, 
and they become famous prescribers, donning the appella- 
tion of "Doctor", they gravely undertake to prescribe for 
the most serious and complicated diseases. They are genius- 
es of marvelous "headache powders ". " specifics " for 
gonorrhoea, syphilis, "liver syrups", "antigermicides", 
and many "magic discoveries". Such druggists pride them- 
selves on " extemporaneous pharmacy ", they can make 
simple and aromatic syrups in a few minutes by "cold per- 
colation "; dissolving dirty sugar in dirtier eold water, in 
a percolator. Cold percolation or any other "cold method" 
of making syrups is unaseptic, unsanitary and unsafe; and 
all physicians who have the good of their clientele at heart 
cannot be too severe in the condemnation of such methods, 
and druggists. 



622 



PHARMACY. 



None but distilled water should be used in making sim- 
ple and aromatic syrups, and this should always be heated 
to not less than 212 deg. F. and the sugar dissolved in it at 
this temperature. Of course in the medicinal syrups, dis- 
tilled water is the best, for being devoid of nearly all the 
inorganic constituents it will take up and hold in solution 
more of the medicinal constituents However, not being 
easily obtained in so large quantities as is necessary often 
in making most medicinal syrups, the continued boiling 
that is necessary removes nearly all the lime-salts of hard 
water, renders the process unobjectionable from a sanitary 
stand point. But when distilled water is not obtainable, 
good filtered rain water is the next best, lastly well or hy- 
drant water. 

As to quantity and quality of sugar, we prefer 
granulated sugar, of the fine grade, because 
granulated sugar will be of more uniform dryness, 
an important point in obtaining accuracy of measurement 
for one must know the exact increase of fluid bulk on the 
addition of the sugar. Asa rule, with regard to consist- 
ency of syrup, one and one half parts of sugar to one 
of water is the minimum, and two parts of sugar 
to one of water the maximum. 

The following formula gives the fluid increase op the 
addition of granulated sugar to distilled water at a tem- 
perature of 212 deg. F. after it has cooled to 77 deg. F. 
Distilled water, fl. oz. 8 (_ 

Granulated sugar, oz. av. 16 f ~ fl- oz - 18 

The above formula is important in making medicinal 
syrups, as one must know the amount of decoction neces- 
sary to finish a syrup to the proper quantity on the addi- 
tion of sugar. 

The pharmaceutical object is to obtain a syrup of suffic- 
ient consistency to keep well, and yet not crystalize on 
standing, or become thick and unwieldv in cold weather, 
that is transparent and easily raisceable with other fluids 
with which it is compatible. Of course it is necessary of- 
ten, for special purposes, to have a syrup of greater or less 
cpnsistency, but the following formula will be found a 
good general working consistency. 

Syrupus Simplex. 

Distilled water fl. oz. 16 

Granulated sugar, oz. av. 24 






PHARMACY. 623 

Heat the water rapidly, closely covered, to the boiling 
point and dissolve in it the sugar, strain while hot 
through two thicknesses of white flannel previously wet in 
boiling water This should make 32 fl. oz. 

This makes an excellent syrup for soda fountains, any of 
the flavorings or fruit extracts mix readily with it. 

In the physicians dispensary a half gallon bottle of sim- 
ple syrup flavored well with strawberry, pineapple, orange 
or lemon, will aid materially in taking the "raw edge" off 
many of his dispensings. 

Aromatic Stfrups:— These are used for the same pur- 
pose as the plain or simple syrup, but are better as sol- 
vents and vehicles for the inorganic agents, such as alka- 
lies, acids, and mineral salts generally. 

Syrupus Aroma ticus. 

Simple Syrup, 

Oil Orange, 

Oil Caraway. 

Oil Coriander, 

Oil Cinnamon. 

Oil Anise, 

Cotton, 

Mix the oils and saturate the cotton, picking and rubbing 
it thoroughly with the fingers, and finally in a mortar 
with a little granulated sugar, place in the funnel end of a 
percolator, first putting in a small pledget of dry cotton, 
heat the syrup sufficient to make it quite fluid and pour 
into the percolator on the cotton, letting it percolate free- 
ly. If after cooling, some oil globules appear on the sur- 
face of the syrup remove with blotting paper, or little 
pledgets of absorbent cotton. 

After the syrup has stopped dropping, a very good light 
flavoring elixir may be obtained by percolating through 
the cotton a mixture of 4 ounces of alcohol and 12 ounces 
of water. A solvent and vehicle. 

Syrupus Tolutanus. 
Syrup Tolu. 
Glycero- Alcoholic Fluid Extract Tolu. oz. 3 

Simple Syrup, oz. 29 

Mix and shake thorougly: if any precipitate appear, filter 
through white flannel previously wet with hot water. 
Use as a solvent, or adjuvant for other agents of a 



oz. 


32 


dr. 


2 


a a 


dr 


dr. 


| 


oz. 


& 






624 PHARMACY- 

more positive character. 

In the above preparation any of the glycero-alooholic 
fluid extracts, such as orange, ginger, benzoin, gum niyrrh 
or wild cherry may be added to simple syrup making ad- 
juncts to compounds of other agents and solvents for in- 
organic substances. 

Medicinal Syrups. 

Many of the green drugs yield their properties best by 
this treatment, while others give better results in the 
fresh dried state. Agents whose influence is required lo- 
cally upon the functions of the digestive tract, especially 
the intestinal division of same, such as juglans, cin. green, 
podophyllum or leptandra should be treated by this pro- 
cess. 

With a standard for medicinal syrups fixed at one 
pound avoirdupois of the drug used to one fluid pound of 
the finished syrup, whether the drug be green or fresh dried 
if the selections be made in accordance -with therapeutic 
requirements, the dosage will always be definite. 

Syrupus Juglandu*, Syrup White Walnut, 
Baric of Root Green. 

Juglans cin. bark of root cut in thin transverse 

slices, lbs. 40 

Water, a sufficient quantity. 
Granulated sugar, lbs 60 

Salicylic acid oz. 1 

Sulphate of Soda, oz. 2 

Phosphate of Soda, oz. 1 

Place the bark in a granite iron, or common iron kettle 
and over with water, boil briskly till about half the wat- 
er is evaporated, strain off through a common sieve, set 
aside this decoction, continue covering the bark and boil- 
ing down to one half or one third until the fourth time. 
Mixing all but the first, evaporate by boiling rapidly un- 
tjll with the first decoction 2 gallons 5£ pints are obtained, 
dissolve in this thesugar while boiling, boil a few minutes. 
Skim off, and strain through ;a flannel strainer while. hot. 
After the syrup is nearly cold mix the. salicylic acid, and 
tfoda-salts, triturate in a mortar, and dissolve in the syrup. 
This should finish up at 5 gallons. 

We have found that the addition of oil peppermint to 
«yxnp juglans obviates griping, besides giving it a palata- 



PHARMACY. 62 S 

ble flavor. To five gallons of syrup, two ounces oil pepper- 
mint rubbed in a mortar with a pound of the sugar reser- 
ved, add after syrup is cold. 
Dose, a teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful. 

MUCILAGES, MUCILAGINOUS MIX- 
TURES, EMULSIONS, BALSAMS, AJYD 
HONEYS. 

Under this classification we place, 1st., Vehicles which 
have no direct solvent action, but simply hold in suspen- 
sion minute particles of medicinal agents, such as gums, 
resins, and inorganic agents. These are mucilages. 

2nd., Combinations of gums, resins and inorganic sub- 
stances with mucilages, making mucilaginous mixtures. 

3rd., Intimate combination of oils, and oleaginous gum- 
resins in suspension in mucilage, these are emulsions. 

-1th., Combinations of essential oils, and oleo-resins with 
a heavy syrup alone, or in combination with mucilage con- 
stituting balsams. 

5th., Combinations of essences, of the valatile oils, tinct- 
ures, and fluid extracts with clarified honey, these are 
called honeys. 

Mucilages are made of pure gums containing little or 
no resin, and consequently soluble in water, in which they 
are dissolved, to a proper consistency. 

Mucilago Tragacanthai, Mucilage of Tragacanth. 
Tragacanth, selected, No. 50 powder, dr. av. 7 

Glycerin, fl. oz. 2| 

Distilled water, oz. 13* 

Mix the water and glycerin in a large mouth bottle of a 
little more than a pint capacity, set in hot water till near 
the boiling point, add the tragacanth, and digest for 4 to 6 
hours with frequent thorough shaking, strain through 2 or 
3 layers of plain antiseptic gauze, or cheesecloth. 

This is a most useful mucilage to have in stock, it keeps 
in any weather, excellent for emulsions &c, it answers the 
general requirements of a pharmaceutical mucilage better 
than any we are acquainted with. 

Mucilago Acacias, Mucilage of Acacia. 
Acacia, select, No. 40 powder oz. 3i 

Salicylic Acid. grs. 2 

Sulphate Soda, grs. 2 

Distilled water, a sufficient quantity. 



626 



PHARMACY. 



Put the acacia in 6oz. of water in a large mouth bottle, heat 
by setting it in hot water to near the boiling point, digest 
with frequent shaking till dissolved; mix the salicylic acid 
and soda sulphate, rub well, dissolve in 2 oz. warm water 
and add to the mucilage, shake well. 
A good base for mixtures and emulsions. 

Mucilago Cydonii, Mucilage of Quince Seed. 

Quince Seed, crushed, dr. av. 3 

Distilled water, a sufficient quantity. 

Salicylic Acid, gr. 2 

Sulphate Soda, gr. 4 

Place the drug in 12 ounces of water, digest on a hot water 
bath for an hour or two, shaking frequently; mix and trit- 
urate the salicylic acid and soda, dissolve in 4 ounces of 
warm water, add to the mucilage, and filter the whole 
through two thicknesses of plain antiseptic gauze, or 
cheesecloth. 

This is a very ageeable mucillage. though rather light 
for emulsions. 

Mucilago Ulmi, Mucilage of Elm. 

Ulmus, pulverized, oz. av. 4 

Distilled Water, fl. oz. 16 

Salicylic Acid, ■ grs. 2 

Sulphate Soda, grs. 4 

Mix and triturate the salicylic acid and soda, dissolve in the 

water and add the elm, macerate with frequent shaking 

until an even mucilage is obtained. 
This is a very good general purpose vehicle. With one 

third part aromatic syrup it completely disguizes quinine 

and other bitter medicines in powder. 

Mucialgo Sassafras Medulla? Mucilage of Sassa- 
fras Pith. 

Sassafras Pith, coarse powder, dr. 2£ 

Salicylic Acid, grs. 2 

Soda Sulphate, grs. 3 

Distilled Water, oz, 32 

Mix and triturate the salicylic acid and soda, dissolve in 

the water well warmed, and add the sassafras pith, digest 

in warm water for 3 or 4 hours with frequent shaking, and 

strain through 2 thicknesses of plain aseptic gauze. 

Used largely in cosmetics. 



PHARMACY. 627 

Emulsio Ricinice, Emulsion Castor Oil. 

Castor Oil, fl. dr. 4 

Mucilage Tragacanth, fl. oz. 1£ 

Simple Syrup, fl. oz. £ 

Oil Orange, drops 5 

Pour the oils in mixed mucilage and syrup, into a bottle 
sufficiently large to allow free agitation, and shake vio- 
lently for 20 or 30 minutes. 
Dose 1 to 2 tablespoonsful, 

Emulsio Copibcs, Emulsion Copaiba. 
Copaiba Balsam, fl. oz. £ 

Mucilage Acacia, or Tragacanth, oz. 3 

Simple Syrup, oz. £ 

Mix the mucilage and syrup, add the copaiba, shaking vio- 
lently for 30 minutes. This can be flavored with oil of 
peppermint or wintergreen or aromatic syrup, ind used 
instead of simple syrup. 
Dose, a teaspoonful. 

Stimulating Balsam. 

Essence of Anise, 
" " Sassafras, 
" " Peppermint, 

" " Pennyroyal, 

Tincture Guaiacum, 

" Capsicum, a a oz. 1 

" Myrrh, dr. 4 

Simple Syrup (2 sugar to 1 of water) oz. 6 

Mix and shake well. 
This is copied from Wilkinson's Botanico-Medical Practice 
except simple syrup is substituted for "sugarhouse molas- 
ses." 

Dose from a half to one teaspoonful. 

# 

Balsam of Honey. 

Tincture Lobelia, 

Essence Anise, 

Essence Sassafras, aa oz. 4 

Strained Honey oz. 12 

Mix. 
For emetio in children, whooping cough, asthma and dry 
coughs. Dose not given.— Wilkinson's Practice. 



628 PHARMACY 

INFUSIONS* DECOCTIONS, and AQUEOUS 

SOI UTIONS. • 

When vegetable agents are treated by pouring water 
either hot or cold, over them and macerated for a short 
time, and the fluid poured off, it is called an infusion. 

When these agents are treated by continuous boiling in 
water to a more or less concentrated aqueous solution, it 
is called a decoction. 

Aqueous Solutions are obtained from volatile oils, and 
agents containing oleoresins and resinous principles. 

All these preparations alone, without a preservative, are 
unstable, and belong to ''extemporaneous preparations,'* 
and the processes of preparing them are denominated "ex- 
temporaneous pharmacy;" they are mostly intended for 
immediate use. 

Infusions and decoctions were used almost exclusively by 
the early practitioners of our school, because of the preju- 
dice of the regular school, aroused by jealousy of many 
who we're brought into competition with the "Botanics,"as 
they were then called, whose success brought them into 
greater requisition by the people, our pioneers could not 
for many years enlist the aid of manufacturing pharma- 
cists, hence we are compelled to rely on their own extem- 
poraneous and crude pharmacy. It is seriously questioned by 
the older and more conservative heads of the Physio-Med- 
ical profession, whether our therapy and bedside practice, 
have materially gained by the large attention given our 
materia medica by modern manufacturing pharmacists. 
Certainly no one who has thoroughly and candidly tested 
the old, and the new pharmacy, will for a moment hesitate 
to pronounce in favor of infusions and decoctions when 
questioned as to therapeutic and practical efficiency. 

The only objection being that of our modern homeo-sac- 
chapathic palates. If evidence is needed more than the 
practical bedside tests of the difference between hot infu- 
sions and decoctions, and elegant looking highly alcoholic 
products of modern pharmacy, we offer in evidence that 
the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, U. S. Dispensatory, and Reming- 
ton's Pharmacy, all have honored infusions and decoctions 
with the "Officinal" seal. 

While the writer is not the champion of retrograde re- 
turn to the crude methods of the "tea doctors," as our 
early practitioners were dubbed, he does advocate the use 






PHARMACY 



629 



of infusions and dt-coctions in all severe cases, and that in 
such emergencies the physician's better judgment shall 
not be in abeyance to fastidiousness. For we are sure that 
by using attractive forms of infusion-cups Dicely decorat- 
ed and artistically shaped, suggestive cuts of which we 
herewith append, and in this way utilizing the modern 
tendency to fads, the hand painted china infusion-cup 
would do much to popularize and again bring into general 
use this most effective elisa of preparations. The powder 
triturates offer an elegant form of material for quick 
infusions, hot or cold. 

Infusion Vessels. 
These are designed to effect solubility and suspension in 
hot or cold water, the therapeutic constituents of medicinal 




agents as thoroughly and rapidly as possible. Our illus- 
tration shows a modification and modernizing of Alsop's in- 
fusion jar, one of the earliest forms of infusion vessel the 
original form of which is shown in Remington's Pharma- 
cy page 291. This is made of queens ware or china, the 
drugs are held, covered by the upper stratum of water on a 
perforated diaphragm, movable to accommodate any 
quantity of drugs, and the difference of specific gravity of 
the heavily loaded fluid carries it to the bottom from 
whence it is poured off through i he spout which commen- 
ces close to the bottom. 



630 



PHARMACY. 



Another illustration from Remington's Pharmacy, shows 
Squire's infusion mug. 

This has a finely perforated colander of queen's- ware 
which fits in a jar made of the same material, decorated 
or of silver, or any other material desired; this descends to 
the bottom, containing the material to be infused upon 
which the hot or cold water is poured; it is more in the 
nature of a percolator, and after the drugs are exhausted 
they can be lifted out without disturbing the infusion. 




The physician can have these furnished his patients by 
some popular queen's-ware merchant, or by a jeweler who 
can have them made at the factory; or he can have them 
made and furnish his patients at a good profit to him- 
self. A little push in this direction, and with powder trit- 
urates flavored will render these infusions and decoctions 
really elegant and attractive to his patients, and 
not only render the practitioner a favorite even with the 
"Four Hundred" but save several four hundred dollars 



PHARMACY. 631 

in the purchase by himself or patrons of pharmacutical 
preparations, and proprietary medicines, whose gigantic 
therapeutic claims aie only equaled by the enormity of 
price. 

The drugs for infusions will vary in degree of fineiess; 
if dried ground drugs are used, from No. 60, fine, for barks; 
No. 50,-moderately tine, for plants whole and brittle 
roots of small size; to No. 40 for dried berries, pods, and 
fruits, and for fibrous roots and stems; if leaves alone No. 
0, coarse powder will do. If the green agents, such as 
stems and fibrous barks or small fibrous roots, they may 
simply be cut in very small transverse sections. If leaves 
and small plants especially those containing volatile oils 
and oleo-resins, they should be thoroughly bruised in a 
mortar; seed, pods and fruits green, may be infused whole 
or slightly bruised. If powdered drugs are used, and they 
are much to be preferred, they must be first thoroughly 
triturated with granulated or powdered sugar, or if sweet- 
ness is objected to, then sugar of milk. 

The proportion of drug to water varies so widely, both 
as to the nature and condition of the drug used, and the 
urgency of the case at hand, that nothing more than a 
vague general rule can be laid down, either for proportion 
of drug or length of time for the digesting or "steeping" 
process, or for the temperature of the water used. All 
these things must be left almost wholly to the good judg- 
ment of the practitioner which will not fail to properly 
meet the exigency of each individual case. 

The Physio-Medical Dispensatory places the proportion 
at one ounce of drug to the quart as the common propor- 
tion, to two or three ounces to the quart as the maximum, 
and thirty minutes to two hours for digesting. 
Remington's Pharmacy, page 291 jnves the following as the 

General Officinal Formula for Infusions. 
The substance coarsely commiunted, 10 parts, 

or oz. av. 1 
Boiling water, 100 parts, fl. oz. 10 



To make 100 parts, or fl. oz. 10 

We are quite sure that in pract ice either of these will be 
found entirely too weak, either with green or dried drugs, 
unfortunately neither authority specifies the condition of 
drug as to green or dried state. 
We have found by actual measurement, that if the dried 



632 PHARMA.CY. 

ground drug is used one and one half ounces to eighteen 
ounces of boiling water to be a good rule; and therefore 
suggest the following formulas for infusions:— 

Standard Physio-Medical Formula? for Infusions. 
The drug dried, ground in fine, moderately 
fine or coarse powder, oz. av. li 

Boiling water, fl. oz. 18 

Place the drugs in a proper vessel and pour over them the 
boiling water, cover closely, and keep hot in a water bath, 
on a warm stove or alcohol lamp while using; after 10 min- 
uets it may be used. 
Dose, a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful. 

Green Drug Infusion. 
The drug fresh, green, cut or bruised, oz. a v. 3 

Boiling water, fl. oz. 16 

Place the drug in a proper vessel, pour on the boiling wat- 
er, cover closely and keep hot while using; after 15 minutes 
it may be used. 
Dose, a tablespoonful to 2 ounces. 

Powder- Triturate Infusions. 
The drug, powdered, triturated, 2 parts to 1 
of sugar, or sugar of milk, oz. av. H 

Boiling water, fl. oz. 8 

Moisten the drugs with moderatly hot water into a thick 
paste, place in suitable infusion vessel, pour on the boiling 
water, cover closely and keep hot while using. If cold 
water is used macerate £ to 1 hour. 
Dose, one to three tablespoonfuls. 

Decoctions. 
As we have elsewhere remarked concentration does not 
always mean therapeutic efficiency, and decoctions illus- 
trate the truthfulness of this rule, for generally speaking 
they are nauseous and repulsive used alone because they 
are too much condensed and their influence exerted locally 
upon the mucous membrane. However there are some a- 
gents that necessarily ueed to be treated in this way to 
get their proper influence, but even these should be well 
sweetened with sugar or syrup, when they come more 
properly under the head of medicinal syrups. Neverthe- 
less those agents that will not readily yield their proper- 
ties except by considerable boiling, and which the practi- 



PHARMACY. 633 

tioner does not care to keep in the form of medicinal syrup, 
and whose administration it is desired to continue more 
especially in cold solution longer than an infusion would 
keep, may be very advantagously prepared in the form of 
a sweetened decoction. 

From these considerations, and more especially as there 
seems to be no definite standard of strength, or manner of 
preparing decoctions. — The U. S. Pharmacopoeia giving 
exactly the same strength and process as for infusions ex- 
cept- longer maceration on a hot water bath — two hours; 
therefore we suggest as more in accordance with pharma- 
cological nomenclature, instead of decoctions, the term ex- 
temporaneous medicinal syrups be used, and the med- 
icinal strength placed at a standard of one half that of 
medicinal syrups. Accordingly the following formula is 
offered ; 

Extemporaneous Medicinal Syrup. 

The drug, dry, ground in moderately coarse 

powder, oz. av. 8 

Water, a sufficient quantity, 

Granulated Sugar, lb. 1 

Place the drugs in a suitable vessel and pour on 32 oz of 
boiling water, loosely cover the vessel and boil gently eith- 
er directly, or on hot water or sand bath till the fluid is re- 
duced to 10 ounces, press off and add to decoction the sug- 
ar and evaporate if necessary, to one pint 
Dose, a teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful 

Aqueous Solutions. 

The object of these preparations is the solution in water 
of the volatile oils, oleoresins, and resins. We have al- 
ready explained that agents containing the above contin- 
ents can be treated either with water alone, or with a very 
small percentage of alcohol, yielding preparations of suffi- 
cient therapeutic potency; because their full therapeutic 
constituency, ("organic chemistry" so called to the con- 
trary notwithstanding) is not represented in these oils 
and gum-resins. 

Aqueous solutions then, speaking strictly in accord with 
normal pharmacy and therapeutics, are aqueous solutions 
representing in part or whole of the therapeutic drug con- 
stituency. 

They sometimes become actual therapeutic agents, but 
are most often used as solvents and adjuvants. There are 



634 PHARMACY. 

several methods of obtaining aqueous solutions, the process 
depending on the nature of substance used. The following 
are typical formulae for the different classes of agents. 

Volatile Oils, e. £. Aqua Anisi. Aqueous Solution 
of Oil Anise. 

Oil Anise, dr. 1 

Carbonate Magnesia, oz. £ 

Salicylic Acid. gr. 10 

Distilled or boiled water, fl. oz. 16 

Triturate the oil of anise with the magnesia and sal- 
icylic acid rubbed together first in the mortar, then by 
successive small quantities add distilled water, triturating 
at each time, nntill 6 or 8 ounces are mixed with the oil 
and magnesia, transfer to a filter paper arranged in a fun- 
nel, and filter, pouring on the remainder of distilled water. 

Aqua Anisi Sem. Water of Anise Seed. 

Anise seed, moderately fine pdr., oz. 2 
Distilled water, . >. 

Salicylic Acid, gr. 10 

Nitrate Potassa. grs. 20 

Mix the salicylic acid and nitrate potassa with the drug 
and rub well in a mortar, add distilled water triturating 
thoroughly at each addition until six or eight ounces are 
used, then transfer to a filter paper in a funnel and pour- 
ing on the remainder of water obtain 16 ounces iu all. 
These solutions will keep almost indefinitely if well corked. 
The following atrents may be treated in this way. 
Bay, oil or leaves. Cinnamon, oil or bark. Cloves, oil or 
berries. Cariander. oil or seed. Eucalyptus, oil or leaves. 
Fennel, oil or seed. Gum Camphor. Gum Myrrh. Lobe- 
lia, seed and oleo-resin. Oil of tar. Peppermint, oil or herb. 
Spearmint, oil or herb. Xanthoxylum, berries and oil. 
Yerba Rheuma, fluid extract or leaves. Yerba Santa, flu- 
id extract or leaves. 

TINCTURES, ESSENCES OB SPIRITOUS SO- 
LUTIONS, VINOUS PREPARATIONS. 

Tinctures, heretofore when little attention was paid to 
the part alcohol played in their influence upon the system, 
were largely used. In early pharmacy, whisky and brandy 
being the principle menstruum, and 'atter on, under the 



PHARMACY. 63") 

name of essential tinctures, and so called specific tinc- 
tures or the Eclectics. 

But modern pharmacy happily has placed them on the 
back list largely; in which is shown a hopeful tendency al- 
so to reduce the percentage of alcohol, as well as drug 
strength in most of the modern alcoholic fluid prepar- 
ations. 

However, a few of these are still used largely by Physio- 
Medical practitioners, but they are of a strength that the 
name tincture is not proper, speaking in strict pharmacol- 
ogy. And from the Physio-Medical stand point they are 
nothing more than alcoholic fluid extracts. The confus- 
ion and impracticability of attempting to work pharmaceu- 
tically from a purely " officinal" and untheoretical stand- 
point is stiown in Remington's Pharmacy, where some sev- 
enty-three " officinal " tinctures are named, and a table 
occupying two pages given to show the different men- 
struum strengths of each, " and other useful data." Perco- 
lation, maceration and by solution and dilution, are the 
various and laborious processes there given for making 
tinctures. The fact is that nearly all the products recog. 
nized by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia come more properly un- 
der alcoholic fluid extracts already explained, while the 
drug strength of all these officinal tinctures are so varied 
that the intelligent prescriber must needs paste the offici- 
nal table in his hat to insure any degree of accuracy in 
dosage, a most serious thing to the patient in view of the 
free use of such virulent poisons as nux vomica, aconite, 
belladonna, digitalis or veratrum. 

In view of these facts we suggest the following 

General Formula for Physio- Medical Tinctures. 

The drug dry, ground to moderately 

fine powder oz. av. 8 
Distilled or boiled water fl. oz. 2U 

Alcohol, fl. oz. 101 

Mix the alcohol and water, pour over the drug a sufficient 
quantity to throughly moisten, let stand two hours and 
transfer to a percolator tightly corked, pour over the bal- 
ance of menstruum, cover the percolator tightly and mac- 
erate for three days; percolate slowly until the menstruum 
has all passed and pour sufficient cold water on the drug to 
obtain thirty-two ounces of percolate. 
As we have already mentioned, experience has proven 



636 PHARMACY 

that in agents containing volatile, resinous and gum-resin- 
ous principles a much more normal therapeutic value is 
obtained with a menstruum of thirty to forty percentage 
of alcohol; it is therefore a therapeutic mistake to treat 
these agents with seventy to full strength alcoholic men- 
struum. And in view of these facts we suggest a uniform 
alcoholic percentage of thirty three and a third for all 
tinctures; and that the process be percolation for all except 
the resins and gum- resins, and these be treated by satur- 
ation and maceration in a suitable vessel for from ten to 
fourteen days as directed for saturated fluid extracts. 

Typical Formula for Resinous Agents, e. g. 
Tinctura Myrrhce, Tincture of Myrrh. 
Myrrh, moderately coarse powder, oz. av. 8 
Distilled or boiled water, fl. oz. 25i 

Alcohol, fl. oz. 10s 

Piace the drug in a large mouth glass bottle of at least 
two pints capacity, mix the alcohol and water and pour 
over it, macerate from 10 to 14 days shaking frequently; af- 
ter 4 or 5 days maceration the tincture may be used, it can 
be poured off in dispensing without disturbing the drug; 
after maceration is complete place in a percolator and ob- 
tain 32 ounces, using water on the dregs if necessary. 
Dose 10 drops to a half tenspoonful. 

There are several Compounds that are used extensively 
in the tincture form by Physio - Medical practitioners, 
which we will give according to above standard, as follows. 
Tinctura Myrrho3 Composita, Compound Tinct- 
ure of Myrrh. 

Number Six (Thompson's name.) 
Myrrh moderately coarse po. oz. a v. 7 
Capsicum pods bruised, oz. av. 1 

Water, fl. oz. 25i 

Alcohol, fl. oz. 101 

Mix the powders and moisten with sufficient of the 
menstruum of alcohol and water mixed, transfer to a per- 
colator, pour on balance of menstruum, close the vessel 
tightly and macerate for six or eight days, percolate add- 
ing cold water if necessary, to obtain 32 ounces of tincture. 
Dose 10 drops to a half teaspoonful. 

Dr. Samuel Thompson's No. 6. 
Gum Myrrh pounded fine, ft). 1 

Capsicum, oz. 1 



PHARMACY. 637 

Put in a gallon of fourth proof brandy: let stand five or 
six days, shaking it well every day, and it will be fit for 
use. 

The following from Botanic Physician published by Wm. 
Johnson about 1840, is his original formula for No. 6. 
Gum Myrrh, tt>.£ 

Golden Seal, oz. 2 

Hemlock bark 

Capsicum, a a oz. 1 

Put into a gallon of alcohol, shaking once a day for five or 
six days, let settle, then pour off and bottle for use; 

(^ompound Tincture of Myrrh. 
Best Myrrh, oz. 12 

Capsicum. 
Balsam of Fir, 

Nutmeg, a a oz. 1 

Brandy, gal. 1 

Digest the brandy keeping in "a warm place with fre- 
quent shaking for ten days; (Howard's Practice 1857.) 
From the same author 

Simple Tincture of Myrrh. 

Myrrh, oz. 12 

Capsicum, oz. 1 

Peach or Cherry Kernels, oz. 2 

Brandy, alcohol or high wines, gal. 1 

Digest the drugs in the spirits for 10 days. 
The autnor says of these, they are "powerful antiseptics, 
and highly valuable to wash old foul ulcers that are obstin- 
ate to heal." Modern aseptic surgery has fully verified 
this statement made many years before its advent. 

We would suggest as a menstruum thirty three and a 
third per cent, alcohol for all the above, instead of 
brandy &c. 

Cost's Domestic Medicine, published in 1859, gives the 
following compound tinctures which modified somewhat 
are still largely used. 

Nervine and Anodyne Tincture. 

Alcoholic extract of cypripedium. oz. 1 

Oil of Anise, oz. I 

Camphor (gum) oz. i 

Tincture of Garden Lettuce, lb. J 



638 PHARMACY 

Dissolve the first three ingredients in the tincture and 
keep in tight bottles. 
Dose, 10 to 30 drops. 

Antispasmodic Tincture. 
Lobelia Tincture, (prepared from the seed) 
Tincture Myrrh, 

Nervine Tincture, aa pt. 1 

Mix. Dose one teaspoonful or more. 

Tinctura Lobelia? Composite, Compound Tincture 
Lobelia. 
Third Preparation, Thompson. 

Lobelia Herb, No. 40 powder oz. av. 4 

Capsicum, " " " 

Cypripedium, " 60 " aaoz. av. 2 

Distilled or boiled water, fl. oz. 25£ 

Alcohol, fi. oz. 101 

Mix the alcohol and water and moisten the mixed drugs 
with a pint of it, after 4 or 5 hours place in a tightly cork- 
ed percolator and pour on balance of menstruum, macerate 
for 5 days and percolate, adding hot water if necessary, to 
obtain 32 oz. 

The addition of 3 drachms oil of anise to the tincture 
renders it more acceptable. 

If lobelia seed instead of the herb is used then equal 
parts of that and capsicum, 3 ounces of each, should be 
used. Dose, 10 drops to a half teaspoonful. 
Do not use the fine powders for these tinctures. 

Dr. Samuel Thompson's "3rd. Preparation." 

Ground Lobelia Seed, 

Capsicum, 

Cypripedium, aa lb. £ 

No. 6. best, gal. 1 

Mix and shake well together. Dose from one to three tea- 
spoonsful. 

Essences, or Spiritous Solutions. 

In accordance with pharmaceutical nomenclature, es- 
sences or spirits are simply alcoholic solutions of volatile 
substances. 

These are made in various ways by different manufactu- 
ring pharmacists. Remington's Pharmacy, as also the U. 
S. Pharmacopoeia, have five different ways according to 
the substance treated as follows. 



PHARMACY. 6H9 

1st. by simple solution 2nd. By solution with macera- 
tion. 3rd. By gaseous solutions. 4th. By chemical react- 
ion. 5th. By distillation. 

In fact there is but one method and one class of phama- 
ceutical essences, viz. those made by solution in an alcohol- 
ic menstruum. 

Out of twenty-two officinal spirits, Remington's Phar- 
macy has but five that are made by any other method than 
solution, two of which, by distillation, are Spiritus Fru- 
menti, Whiskey, and Spiritus Vini Gallici, Grape Brandy. 
The trouble is, these authorities loose sight of pharmaceu- 
tical laws and group all these preparations under the head 
of spiritus, spirits. 

The term spirits, therefore in order to avoid this confus- 
ion, we shall define as Alcoholic Distillates, Spiritus, as 
Alcohol, Whiskey, Grape Brandy. 

Essences or spiritous solutions. We shall call alcoholic 
or spiritous solutions of volatile substances.* 

All of the volatile or essential oils and oleoresins, either 
singly or in combination are soluble in definite propor- 
tions in a mixture of alcohol and water in relation, almost 
wholly, to the percentage of alcohol. Full strength alco- 
hol will combine without turbidity with the volatile oils, 
such as sassafras, cloves, cinnamon, origanum &c, on the 
addition of small quantities at a time, aggitating at each 
addition, to an unlimited extent, for when there is more 
oil than alcohol it is the same as mixing oil with oil. But 
this solubility decreases rapidly on the addition of water 
to the alcohol, so that 50 per cent alcohol or equal parts of 
alcohol and water will only dissolve 1 dr. of oil to 8 oz. of 
the menstruum. However as the object is to combine 
these essences with other agents and combinations, and 
the lower the percentage of alcohol the more readily the 
essence combines with syrups, elixirs &c. and as in this 
proportion they are of ample strength for practical pur- 
poses, we suggest the standard Physio-Medical essences at 
one dr. of volatile substance to eight ozs. of diluted (oO 
per cent.) alcohol. 

Typical Formula for Essence. 

The Volatile Oil dr. 2 

Distilled Water, 

Alcohol, aa oz. 8 

Mix the alcohol and water and after they have thoroughly 



640 PHARMACY. 

combined add the oil, shake thoroughly once a day for 
three days. 

Use for flavoring simple syrups, aromatic compounds, 
medicinal syrups, liniments &c. 

Compound Essences. Aromatic Essence of Ammo- 
nia. Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia, so called. 
Carbonate of Ammonia, dr. av. 4 

Aqua Ammonia, oz. 1 

Essence Lemon, oz. i 

Essence Lavender, dr. 3 

Essence Pimenta, dr 2 

A Icohol 
Distilled Water, aa ozs. 7 

Mix the alcohol and water and dissolve in it the carbonate 

of ammonia, next add the essences shakiug thoroughly 

and lastly the aqua ammonia. 
Dose, 20 drops to a teaspoonful, largely diluted with 

water, or simple syrup and water. A valuable antacid and 

heart stimulant. 

Essentia Lavendulo3 Com posit as. Essence Laven- 
der Compound. " Compound Spirits Lavender." 

Oil of Lavender, dr. 2 

(HI of Eosmary, dr. | 

Oil of Cinnamon, min. 10 

Oil of Cloves, min. 5 

.Oil of Nutmeg. min. 15 

Tincture Saunders, oz. £ 

Alcohol, oz. 91 

Water, oz. 5£ 

Mix the alcohol and water, add the tincture saunders, mix 

the oils and dissolve in the mixture. 
Dose, one half to a teaspoonful, 

Wines and Vinous Preparations. 
In the early days of "botanic medicine," as it was 
then called, before the immense commercial demand neces- 
sitated rapid and large outputs of distilleries and vintages 
inviting adulterations and artificial methods of production, 
when pure wines and liquors could be procured, spiritous 
and vinous medical compounds, wines and bitters> were 
the leading pharmaceutical products of the physicians 
own mauufacturing especially. 
But these have fallen largely into disuse, because much 



PHARMACY. 641 

depends upon purity of the spiritous, and more especially 
the vinous menstruum which are now villainous artificial 
concoctions. As Physio-Medicalists never use the stronger 
alcoholics, whiskies, brandies &c, and rarely vinous pro- 
ducts therapeutically, except of course in the absence of 
all other suitable agents, we would not here give place to 
this subject were it not for the purpose of calling atten- 
tion of the profession to a method of obtaining an unfer- 
mented wine, or rather what we shall call Fruit Essence, 
which we are sure possesses a number of important advan- 
tages over all other alcoholic preparations for medicinal 
purposes. These advantages are:— 

A purely aseptic wine; there is no fermentative process, 
it is devoid of the ptomaines and corpses of millions of 
micro-organisms, and other debris of fermentation. 

It is a pure fruit essence, with a percentage of alcohol in 
the menstruum for preservation only, consequently it fur- 
nishes in their normal genesis all the nutritive and thera- 
peutic properties of the fruit used. 

A low percentage of alcohol, and high percentage of nat- 
ural properties of the substance treated. 

Elegant appearance and delicious taste, retaining in its 
native lusciousness the taste and odor of the fruit, it is 
transparent and sparkling with the deep rich color of the 
fruit used. 

It is inexpensive, easily and quickly made by any one. 
The physician can make it in quantities, prescribing and 
dispensing it to his patients at a good profit, without be- 
ing liable to the revenue, or temperance law. 

These wines are also excellent menstruums fcr making 
medicinal wines and bitters, answering the purpose much 
better than any of the "purest" wines and whiskies -'sold 
for medicinal purposes only." Also a most elegant vehicle 
and solvent for unpleasant medicines. 

The writer has used these fruit essences in his practice 
as above indicated, for twenty years, and feels sure that all 
who make them according to the following formula will be 
well pleased with the elegance and therapeutic utility of 
the product. 

Essentia Fructi. Fruit Essences, e. g. Essentia 
Vini. Essence of Graces. Unfermented Grape 
Win e . 
Fresh ripe Concord grapes, three gallon measures 
full or lbs. av 10 






642 PrTAIiMACY. 

Water, distilled or well boiled, cold, pts. 18i 

Alcohol, pts. 5f 

Granulated Sugar, lbs. 12 

Wash the grapes thoroughly in warm water before picking 
them off the stems, stem and place them whole in a five 
gallon demijohn; mix alcohol and water, dissolve the sug- 
ar in this and pour over the grapes. 

To proceed less accurately and more practically, fill the 
demijohn a little over half full of grapes, and fill full with 
a menstruum of 75 parts water, 25 parts alcohol in which 
mixture disolve a little over I pound granulated sugar per 
pint, which will take about three and a half gallons to fill 
the demijohn. 

Macerate with occasional shaking for 4 or 6 weeks when 
the fiuid may be drained off the grapes, without pressing. 
In from 4 to 6 days this will do to use. We have often let 
the fruit and fluid stand together for six months, but 
usually in seven weeks the grapes will be found tastless, 
having yielded up their properties to the menstruum. 

If sweet catawba grapes are used, less sugar may be em- 
ployed, say about three ounces to the pint. 

While the quantity of alcohol in this menstruum may 
seem large at 25 per cent, when strong wine has no more 
than 15 or 20 per cent, yet when the sugar and the grape 
juice is added it is lowered to about 10 per cent, the small- 
est quantity that with the sugar will preserve the product 
from fermentation. 

However as the quantity of sugar must be varied in pro- 
portion to the amount of acidity of fruit used, and as it 
may also be varied to suit the desire for a sweet or sour 
wine, the percentage of alcohol can be lessened in propor- 
tion to increase of sugar. The rule is that the alcohol and 
sugar together should aggregate at least 40 per cent, of 
the menstruum,. To this of course is added during the 
process of maceration the fruit-juice, and we have a pre- 
paration that will never manifest the least sign of fer- 
mentation, but will improve in richness and elegance by 
age if kept in jugs or demijohns corked and in a moderate- 
ly cool place. Though we have kept them loosely corked 
in jugs in a very hot pantry in summer and very cold place 
in winter, without the least degree of change. 

The fruit must be thoroughly ripe: put into the men- 
struum whole immediately after they are taken off the 
stems before any chemical or fermentative change has 



PHARMACY. 643 

taken place. Avoid all fruit that is wormy or has the 
least speck of rot. 

The entire list of fruits may be treated by this method, 
and yield most elegant produdts. Especially tmerries, red 
raspberries, dewberries, peaches, apricots, Catawba, con- 
'cord, muscatel, and all other varieties of grapes. Cherries, 
especially the early varieties; wild cherries, currants, and 
gooseberries thoroughly ripe^nd wild goose plums* 

"OILS. SAPONIFIED OILS. FATS. OLE ATE S. 
SOAPS. 

We shall, for pharmaceutical purposes, divide t/he oils 
^nto fixed, and volatile. As to source the fixed oils may be 
divided into organic or vegetable, animal and inorganic 
'or mineral. 

The fats, pharmaceutical^, may be divided into animal* 
•■&nd vegetable. 

Saponified oils, aretiombinations of fixed or heavy oils, 
with an alkaline solution, causing a white Creamy consist*- 
•ence, the object of which is to render the oil more pleasant 
of administration, and increase its therapeutic effect. 

Olentes.— By this term werneab notthetjhfemical oleate, 
but oleaginous combinations for the purpose of obtaining 
toisceability of oils with aqueous and other fluids. 

Sapo. Soap.^A detergent orMCleansing preparation made 
by boiling fats or oils With a strong alkaline solution, when 
^ thick foamy mass is formed, to which a solution «f coiA- 
•mon salt is added which causes the soap to rise to the top 
■leaving the water underneath. This is called grain or soft 
'soap. &ard soaps are made bt evaporating the water ia» 
^tead of adding salt* Finer soaps such as toilet and su"r» 
peon's soaps, are maile by 'rellissolving grain soap in lye> 
Seating and tlrefi adding salt solution. The oftener this is 
repeated the purer the product, but it necessarily become! 
"Weaker 

The best soaps are made by'Hrst boiling fixed vegetable 
'Oil, olive oil being mostly used, with purified car%onateof 
of soda, obtaining the grain s»ap, alid then purifying "as 
*"&bove and adding tallow sufficient to harden it. 

Toilet soaps are made by cutting and 'kneading grain 
soap in a machine for that purpose, perfume is added, and 
then it is pressed into cakes. 

Castile soap, which is mostly recommended and used by 
iphysioians and sucgeoas, is simply the purified soa^, ma«te 



644 PHARMACY. 

as above stated, with olive oil and caustic soda. 

Sapo Viridis or green soap is made in Germany and im- 
ported, it is made from thelighter fixed oils containing little 
stearin. It is a soft jelly likesoapof a greenish yellow color. 

Soaps are used inpharmacyforliniments. piasters, inunc- 
tions, and in making pill mass. 

Medicated soaps are made by adding various therapeutic 
agents, such as tar. balsam of tolu, fir, and antiseptics such 
as carbolic acid, etc. to the purified soap. Theobject being 
to combine with its detergent properties that of a local 
therapeutic application to the skin. While theoretically this 
seems plausible, practically it is a therapeutic inconsistency; 
for the detergent effect of the soap would leave nothing of 
the medicament on the surface. The fact is that so called 
medicinal soaps have nothing more than aseptic virtues, 
and in some cases this is quite desirable, yet with modern 
surgical technique nothing more isdesired than agood plain 
soap. 

Volatile Oils. 

Volatile or essential oils, are those light ethereal oils 
whose chief characteristics areodorousness. transparency, 
fluidity, and the rapidity with which they evaporate when 
exposed to the air at a very moderate temperature. 

They are obtained almost wholly from vegetable agents. 
mostly existing naturally, sometimes produced by chemical 
reactions, as destructive distillation, combustion, and by 
solution of the plant in water. 

Pure fresh volatile oils are almost colorless, transparent 
and should have the odor and taste of the fresh plant or veg- 
etable substance from which they are obtained. If exposed 
to the air and lightorkeptalongtimein stock, they become 
thick, opaque, green, yellow, or red, and loose their charac- 
teristic odor and taste, becoming terebinthic. 

The adulteration of volatile oils is a very common prac- 
tice by both retail and wholesale druggists. The fixed oils 
are mostly used as adulterants, being much cheaper. To 
detect this, pour a few drops of the suspected oil on a piece 
of clean writing paper, evaporate over a spirit lamp, if adul- 
terated with a fixed oil it will leave a greased spot. The 
pure volatile oil leaves no stain on the paper. Alcohol is 
also used; to detect which, place equal parts of oil. water, 
and glycerin in a test tube shake gently, the alcohol will 
mix with the water and glycerin leavinga much diminish- 



PHARMACY. 



645 



ed stratum of oil. Cheaper grades of tbe same oil are used for 
adulteration. But practice and experience with the use 
of the various volatile oils will enable one to readily detect 
inferior articles. 

Volatile oils are chiefly obtained by distillation with 
water. Some can be distilled directly, a few by expression, 
and others by solution in some fixed oils. Distillation 
with water is done by placing the substance in a still, 
covering with water, and by regulated heat carrying the oil 
over with the distilled water into a cooler or refrigeratory, 
where it can be readily skimmed from the surface. 

The very lightest volatile oils, that, are readily decom- 
posed, and are not plentiful in the plants containing them, 
their extraction is best effected by variou-: processes such 
as maceration, digestion, perc >l.ition with some solvent, 
enfluerage, or by the pneumatic process. The two last pro- 
cesses are for the treatment of delicate perfume laden flow 
ers, and belong to the art of perfumery. 

The chief pharmaceutic use of the volatile oils are in lini- 
ments, ointments, inunctions, flavoring, and adjuvants to 
medicinal compounds, being, most of them, diffusive stim- 
ulants to the vaso- motor apparatus, both internally and 
externally administered. The following list comprises the 
chief volatile oils in general use The oleoreMns belong to 
another class pharmaceutically, and willbe found elsewhere. 



Oil 



Ulspice, Ol 
" Anise, " 
" Bay, 
" Bergamont, " 
" Birch, 
" Almonds, " 
" Cajuput, " 
" Camphor, " 
" Caraway, •' 
" Cinnamon, " 
" Chomomile " 
"Cloves, " 
" Cariander, " 
" Dill, 

" Eucalyptus " 
" Fennel, " 
" Hemlock, " 



List of Volatile Oils. 

Pi mental. Oil Lavender, Ol. Lavaniulae. 
Lemon, " Limonis. 

Mustard, •' Sinipi. 
Orange Flo," Auranti Flo. 
Orange peel," Auranti Cor. 
Pennyroyal," Hedeoma. 
Peppermint," Mentha Pip. 



Anise 
Myricaa 
Bergamii. 
Betulae. 
Amyg. Am. 
Cajuputi. 
Cam phone. 
Cari. 

Cinnamomi. 
Anthemidis 
Caryophylli. 
Cariandri. 
Anethi. 
Eucalypti. 
Foeniculi. 
Abies Can. 



Red Cedar, " Juniperis Y. 
Rosmary, " Rosmarini. 
Rue, " Rutae. 

Sandal Wo, " San tali. 
Sassafras, " Sassafras. 
Sabine, " Sabinag. 

Speirmint, " Mentha Vir. 
Tar, " Picis. 

Turpentine," Terebiuthas. 
Wormseed, " Chenopodii. 



646 Pd ARM ACT. 

Oil Juniper, Ol. Juniperi. Oil Wintergreen Ol. Gaultheria. 

The fixed oils, are heavy, transparent or semitranspar- 
ent, white, yellow, or greenish. They are thick and greasy 
leaving a heavy stain on paper or fabrics. They vary in 
taste usually retaining the taste and odor of the substance 
from which they are derived. 

The medicinal fixed oils are derived chiefly from plants, 
nuts and fruits, one or/two of much value being mineral. 

They are obtained chiefly by expression. The substance 
being bruised or ground to a pulp and pressed by powerful 
hydraulic presses, either cold, heated or steamed. Some 
j*re best obtained by pressure between hot rollers. The min- 
eral oils exist in a free state or combined with other miri,v 
eral matters or fluids. 

List of Fixed Oils. 
f)leum Amygdala ©ulcis, OiJ Sweet Almonql,. 

" Olivaei Oil of Olives. 

** Ricini, Castor Oil. 

'* l<ini. Flax - seed oil. 

" Gossypii Seminis> CoJton seed oih 

*• Pepo. Pumpkin - seed oil,.. 

l < Lycopodium v Oil of Lycopodiwm. 

^ M^ricae, Oil of Barberry. 

" Juglans Cinerea, Oil of Butternut. 

•' Juglans Nigra, Oil of Black Walnut. 
Elais, Palm oil v 

The fixed oils are used both externally and internal lj\.. 
Most of them for either use are rendered more efficacious 
by saponification^ that is, emulsified by an alkali. Espec- 
ially when administered internally they can be made more 
palatable andeffective. Ttie following formula* are for in*, 
ternal trse. 

Oleu rn H i c in i St f p o n i fieatu s . Snponfi e d 
€asfor Oil. 
Oastor Oil. 

Water, a a ft f»z. 1 

Potassii Carbonas. i Sal. Tartar) grs. 15 
Oil Coriander, drops 5 

Dissolve the potassa in the water, add the oils and shake- 
violently for two or three minuter There will be partial 
separation of oil from the solution on long standing but % 
little agitation will, mix them again, 
l&vse.a dessert «poon ful tqtwo table.spo.oQssfiil v 



PHARMACY. 647 

Oleum Olivce Saponificatus. 
Olive oil, fl. oz. 1± 

Water, oz. £ 

Potassii Carbonas, gr. 10 

Oil Lavender, drops 5 

Dissolve the potassa in the water and add the oils, shake 
thoroughly. 

Dose one or two tablespoonsful. 

Oleum Lini Saponificatus. 
Flaxseed oil 

Water, a a oz. 1 

Potassii Carbonas, gr. 15 

Oil Bitter Almonds, drops 5 

Dissolve the potassa in the water and add the oils, shake 
thoroughly. 

Use externally forburns, chilblains, and old sores. In- 
ternally for feverish irritated conditions of intestinal tract. 
Dose one or two teaspoonsful. 

Oleum Pepo Saponificatus, Saponified 
Pumpkin Seed Oil- 
Oil of Pumpkin Seed, oz. 1 

Water, dr. 3 

Oil of Anise, drops, 5 

Potassii Carbonas, gr. 5 

Dissolve potassa in the water, add the oils and shake 
thoroughly. 

Dose one half to one teaspoon ful. 
Oleum Pepo Saponificatus Compositus. Com- 
pound Saponified Pumpkin Seed and 
Castor Oil. 
Oil of Pumpkin Seed, dr. 2 

Castor Oil, oz. 1 

Water, oz. 1 

Aromatic Syrup, dr. 6 

Potassii Carbonas, gr. 15 

Dissolve the potassa in the water, mix the two oils and 
^dd to the solution shaking thoroughly, lastly add the 
syrup. 
Dose one to three tablespoonsful. A good tape worm remedy 

Oleum Chenopodii Saponificatus. 

Oil of Wormseed, oz. 1. 

Oil of Wintergreen, drops, 5 

Oil of Cinnamon, drops, 10 



648 PHARMACY. 

Water, oz. H 

Potassii Carbonas, gr. 12 

Simple Syrup, oz. 1 

Dissolve the potassa in the water, mix the oils and add 
to solution, shake thoroughly and add the syrup. 

A most palatable and effective vermifuge Dose one 
half to one teaspoonful. 

Oleum Amygdala Dulcis Saponificatus. Saponi- 
fied Oil of Sweet Almonds. 

Oil of Sweet Almonds, oz. H 

Oil of Bitter Almonds, gtta. 3 

Water, oz. £ 

Powdered Borax, grs. 15 

Dissolve the borax in the water, add the oils and shake 
thoroughly. 

An excellent internal application for sunburns, pimples, 
and freckles. Also an excellent application in diseases of 
scalp. 

Fats. 

These are heavy semi-solid and solid fixed oils, derived 
from the animal kingdom chiefly, though many vegetables 
are rich in fats. The adipose tissue of all animals yields 
more or less fat, as also fowls, fish, reptiles, and insects. 
The chief fats used in pharmacy are, — 

Adeps, Lard. Purified lard is obtained by a rather la- 
borious process, and is used for pomades and finer oint- 
ments, embrocations, etc. 

Fresh well rendered or boiled lard is best in pharmaceu- 
tical use, and almost all the mineral salts combine with it 
better than some of the other fats. 

Oleum Adipis, Lard Oil is made by expression at a low 
temperature of lard. It is colorless, quite fluid, an excel- 
lent fixed oil but is difficult to obtain pure in market being 
usually adulterated with pa rati n oil. It is used in mak- 
ing the thinner ointments, and where a heavy absorbent 
powder is to be incorporated with fat. 

Sevum, Suet, Tallow, This is obtained from beef or mut- 
ton. Owing to the large proportion of stearin, tallow is 
dense, white, smoothe and melts at nearly the boiling 
point of water. Used in making ointments with the light- 
er oils, such as tar, sassafras etc., and for hardening plat- 
ters, suppositories etc. 

Lanoline. This is a white oily fat, about the consisten- 



PHARMACY. 619 

cy of fresh churned unsalted butter. It is procured from 
lamb's wool, by a special and patented process of Oscar 
Liebreich's, Berlin, Germany. 

This is a most excellent base for incorporating the pow- 
dered vegetable agents, and dry mineral powders into oint- 
ments, suppositories etc. The following is a most useful 
and elegant formula for piles, painful swellings and bruises. 
Lanoline, oz. 1 

Oil of Sassafras. dr. 1 

Powdered Valerian 
Powdered Baptisia, a a dr. 2 

Powdered Ulmus, a sufficient quantity. 

Place the lanoline on a glass or marble slab, and with a 
spatula first mix the oil sassafras with it, then incorpor- 
ate the valerian and baptisia, and lastly incorporate powd- 
ered elm until the consistency desirable is obtained. 

Petrolatum Vaseline, Is a semisolid, reddish yellow, 
or clear white fat. obtained as a residue after distillation 
of petroleum or coal oil. It is purified by filtration 
through animal charcoal. 

Any of the vegetable or mineral powders are readily in- 
corporated w r ith vaseline into ointments, plasters etc. A 
number of brands or proprietary names for vaseline have 
been devised, such as " cosmoline", " malena " *-tc. 

Parnftn. This is a solid, waxy substance, inodorous 
and tasteless, somewhat harder than tallow, and not quite 
so hard as white beeswax. It was at first obtained by the de- 
structive distillation of wood; but is now on a large scale 
obtained from petroleum. Parafln is valuable in pharma- 
cy in making plasters, suppositories etc. 

Cetaeeum. Spermaceti. A dense white fatty, sub- 
stance, obtained mainly from the head of the sperm whale, 
is used in plasters, ointments, suppositories etc. 

Oleum Theobr'(ima>, Butter of Cacoa. This is in yel- 
lowish white oblong cakes of an agreeable chocolate smell 
and taste. It is obtained from cacao, or chocolate nut, ca- 
coa butter is valuable as a base for suppositories. pastiles,&c 

Glycerinum. Gpitrin. This most useful pbarmacal is 
a product of fats and fixed oils. It is thick, syrupy, trans- 
parent and very sweet mixing in any proportion with wa- 
ter or alcohol. Originally it was made by its discoverer 
Scheele in 1789 by boiling olive oil and litharge in water. 

This of course contained lead which was hard to get rid 
of sufficiently to fit it for internal administration. Subse- 






650 PHARMACY. 

quently it was found in soap maker's waste; but most of 
the fat used in the large factories is from dead and decom- 
posing animals, glycerin made from such a source is of a 
strong odor and unfit for use in pharmacy, notwithstand- 
ing it is claimed to be rendered inodorous and pure by a 
patented process. Pure glycerin for pharmaceutical pur- 
poses should be that made from pure olive oil, or fresh pure 
lard by distillation with superheated steam400 to500deg. F. 

Oleates. 
It is often desirable to quickly mix or combine a fixed 
oil or a fat with an aqueous solution or a syrup either in 
fluid form or an ointment or plaster. For this purpose we 
present the following formula for reducing these sub- 
stances to what we shall for want of a better name 
call oleates. 

Oleate Lanoline. 
Lanoline, dr. 3 

Corn Starch, oz. H 

Potassii Carbonas gr. 10 

Mix the starch and potassa, melt the lanoline and add- 
ing it to the powder in a mortar in small quantities, tritu- 
rate thoroughly. A few drops of oil of bitter almonds or any 
the essential oils during the trituration may be added to 
give it a pleasant flavor. 

Oleate Tar and Sassafras Compound. 
Oil of Tar, 

Oil of Sassafras, a a dr. 2 

Corn Starch, oz. 1| 

Pulverized Elm, oz. £ 

Mix the corn starch and elm in a mortar and triturate 
the oils in successive smali quantities. 

EXTRA CTS. ABS TEA CTS. OLEORESINS- 
RESINOIDS- and ALKALOIDS. 
Solid extracts. These were formerly much in use among 
Physio-Medicalists, but like many other preparations of 
the fathers of our system, they have yielded to more ele- 
gant pharmacy. Before the advent of the machine pill 
coating with sugar and gelatine, home made pills from sol- 
id aqueous extracts were dispensed freely. We are certain- 
ly of the belief that solid and semisolid aqeous extracts 
have been and ever will be powerful therapeutic agents 
with proper selection of drugs, and careful preparation. 



PHARMACY. 651 

And we earnestly recommend all practitioners who can 
obtain the fresh green or properly dried drugs to prepare 
their own extract*. The process is so simple and inexpen- 
sive, and one can obtain preparations much superior to 
that of the large manufacturing houses who have to de- 
pend on the general gatherers for supplies which cannot be 
in good order after long shipments. These extracts can 
be sent by the home manufacturer to the manufacturers of. 
pills, tablets &o. and made into coated pills, tablets, etc. 
i.n accordance with your own private formulae 

The object of extracts is to obtain, the medicinal proper- 
ties of vegetable agents in a solid or semisolid condensed, 
state, and they serve the double purpose- of affording a- 
base or mass for other agents in pill, tablet or suppository 
form, and as a, therapeutic auxiliary to.the product. It 
seems that no standard either of strength or consistency 
has yet been established for extracts*, and for this reason 
the physician possessing any kind of facilities for office 
pharmacy and who can procure the fresh agents should^ 
make his own extraets,.as those found in market are wholly 
unreliable as to strength or consistency. Unless kept 
thoroughly sealed in glass or porcelain jars and in cool, 
damp place, water evaporates, and the extract deteriorates^ 
becoming hard and inert. The U. S. Pharmacopoeia has, 
endeavored to establish a standard of consistency by the 
term "pilular consistence," but this is no more definite 
than the term solid extract, as the consistency of a pill 
mass must depend on the nature and quantity of the pow- 
ders to be incorporated. The proper way, we think, is to 
establish a standard of strength representing a definite 
quantity by weight of the dr.ug fresh green or dried, to 
commence with, which shall be represented by a definite 
quantity by weight of the finished extract, which should be 
always stated on a label upon the container. In this way 
the druggist or physician could easily ascertain, by 
weighing, whether evaporation by long keeping 
or being loosely stoppered, had reduced the product below 
the the standard; in which case, if not otherwise deterio-. 
rated, sufficient distilled water could beadded to bring it 
up to the required standard of weight and consistency. 

With the view of establishing a definite standard of 
>itre*ngth for solid aqueous extracts we suggest the follow*. 
mg typical formula?:— 



652 



PHARMACY. 



Aqueous Extract of Eupatoriurn Perfoliatum. 
Green- Extractum Eupatorice Aquosum. 
Eupatoriurn Perfol, fresh green herb, cut finely lbs. 5 
Pure Water, gal. 3 

Place the herb in a macerating vessel pour, on one gallon 
of water and digest at a temperature of 200 deg. F., closely 
covered for 3 hours, strain off the liquid with some press- 
ure, set aside and pour on two gallons of water, simmer 
slowly in an uncovered vessel untill the quantity of liquid 
is about two-thirds evaporated, press off with a drug press, 
or displace while hot with the centrifuge, and mix with 
the first liquid, evaporate at a temperature not to exceed 
200 deg. F. by direct heat, or over a steam, hot water or 
sand bath untill the mass weighs 16 oz. av. Put in a large 
mouth glass or queensware bottle, cover with a thi n stratum 
of glycerin and thoroughly close with a good cork glazing 
the top and sides of same with hot beeswax. 

Aqueous Extract of Lobelia Herb, Dried. 

Extractum Lobelia Aquosum. 
Lobelia Herb, No. 30 powder, lbs. 3 

Pure or distilled water, gal. 3 

Place the drug in a suitable vessel and pour over it one gal- 
lon of water. Digest at a temperature of 160 deg. for three 
hours, transfer to a percolator or centrifuge and displace 
pouring on the nther two gallons of boiling water, set a- 
side the first gallon; evaporate by boiling the last two gal- 
lons to five pints, mix with first and evaporate slowly over 
a steam or hot water bath untill one pound of extract is 
obtained, put in a well stoppered large mouth bottle, cover 
with a thin stratum of glycerin. 

Expressed or Inspissated Extracts. 
These are made from succulent green plants, which are 
bruised to a pulp in a mortar, the juice pressed out with a 
drug press or displaced with the centrifuge and evaporated 
spontaneously in a warm place. They should be made on 
the same standard as aqueous extracts from the green 
plant, 5 lbs. of plant to 1 lb. of extract. 

Hydro- Alcoholic Extracts. 
These are made with a menstruum of alcohol and water. 
Some largely resinous agents are best treated in this way: 
but the percentage of alcohol need not be large, not exceed- 
ing 25 or 30 per cent, for the reason as already stated. 



PHARMACY. 653 

that not all of the normal therapeutic constituents reside 
in the resins or gums of these plants, and for the addition- 
al reason that the loss of the alcohol, unless one is pre- 
pared on a large scale to regain it by distillation, renders 
the product unnecessarily expensive. Last but by no 
means the least objection, the larger the percentage of al- 
cohol used, the less soluble the extract in the fluids of the 
alimentary tract. 

The following is offered as a typical formula for a stand- 
ard hydro-alcoholic extract. 

Extract Hydrastis, tiy dro-.U coholic. 
Hydrastis, "No. 40 powder, lbs. 3 

Alcohol, pts. 41 

Distilled water, a sufficient quantity. 

Place the drug in a macerating vessel, mix i pints of the 
water with the alcohol, pour over the drugs and macerate 
for five days, transfer to the centrifuge or a percolator and 
displace setting aside the first six pints, continue the dis- 
placement with boiling water untill two gallons of percol- 
ate in all are obtained, evaporate the last percolate by 
boiling slowly to a half gallon, mix with the first 
percolate and evaporate on hot water or a steam bath to 
one pound of extract, put in a well stoppered large mouth 
bottle covering with a thin stratum of glycerin. 

Alcoholic Extracts, are made with a pure alcohol men- 
struum. As above stated, such extracts are not desirable 
because of their insolubility and expense. Those agents 
containing large quantities of gum and resin are treated in 
this way under the notion that their medicinal properties 
are therein contained. The fact is that the gums as a rule 
are sparingly solvent in alcohol, while the resins only par- 
tially represent the therapeutic constituency of such 
agents. 

Abstracts. Saccharated Extracts. 
The U. S. Pharmacopoeia in 1880 introduced officially un- 
der the name Abstracta, preparations made by spontan- 
eous evaporation of an alcoholic tincture and adding suffic- 
ient sugar of milk so that when dry or powdered the pro- 
duct would be one half the weight of the quantity of drug 
used. These preparations had bee n previously made and 
sold by a drug firm under the name of saccharated powder- 
ed extracts. They were thought to be a great improvement 
over the solid extracts both as a standard strength and 






654 PHARMACY. 

•therapeutic efficiency, but after an extensive use of them 
i by the profession, for a short time they fell into disfavor 
&s they could not be kept from solidifying and they were 
found to-be insoluble by the digestive fluids. 

in 'place of the above we suggest the following typical 
formula, the -product of which we shall call abstract tritu- 
rate, 

Wri i turatU7n> Absir actum -Scutelarice. Abstract 
Triturate of Svutelaria. 
Scutelaria, $To. 30 pDwder, lb. 4 

Alcohol^ pts. If 

Watet, "a sufficient quantity, 

Pulverized ScuteTarfa, " rt 

Mix the alcohol with 2 pints of water aud pour over the 
"No. 30 scOtelaTia powder in "a prober macerating vessel, 
macerate 5 days, transfer.to a centrifuge of a percolator anel 
displace, adding rjoillng Water, set aside the "first quart, 
continue until three quarts in all are obtained; evaporate 
by boiling the two last quarts to one pint, mix With firsft 
percolate and over a riot Water or steam bath evaporate 
slowly to a Very thick extract, transfer to a mottar ami 
triturate with it sufficient powdered scuteTaria to make 
'One pound in all; if not reduced to a dry powder, spread if> 
on thin muslin stretched on a frame th a warm place till 
'Quite dfy, then triturate again adding tnore powdered scut> 
eelalMa if necessary to make one pound by weight. 

This preparation gives the advantage of first the normal 
powdeT of the drug, second, extraction and addition to the 
'tfWmal pt?Wder sUch constituencies as yield most readily to 
a hydrtf-alCoholfe menstruum-, and thirdly rapid and Tfcf- 
fect'gol'Ubility by the gastric and intestinal fluids wittt 
consequent Complete assimilation of the drug, which con- 
stitutes the therapeutic disidet.ituhi of a phnrmat n 
product. 

ffl,eore$ins> 
ABumb'ero'f Vegetable agents contain a fixed *oil whicr) 
is intimately combined with gum-resinous Constituents 
from wnifeh the oil cannot be separated without destruc- 
tive distillation, while tfae oil resih and gum can be readily 
obtained in combination arid represents It large therapeu- 
tic constitueucy of the drug. To s'Uch a product the name 
«*!«« resin is «give». Of course -as oie^esin tooweVer w«14 



PHARMACY. 655 

prepared does not represent the full therapeutic constitu- 
ency of the drug, nevertheless they are the most concen- 
trated preparations as far as they go in drug constituents 
of the plant of any other fluid products; but for this reason 
if no other their therapeutic usefulness is curtailed be- 
cause such a product must necessarily have a powerful lo- 
cal influence and though from a mild sanative agent may 
become a dangerous local irritant. Consequently they 
have from a former rather extensive employment fallen 
much into disuse amongst Physio-Medical ists, so that a 
comparatively few oleoresins are now in general use. An- 
other objection is the menstruum which is stronger ether 
as employed by the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, of which it is im- 
possible to rid the product of its principles by the necessar- 
ily imperfect spontaneous evaporation. 

Still another objection is that it is almost impossible to 
establish a definite standard strength for these products. 
As illustrative of what is said above, the following formula 
is copied from Remington's Pharmacy, page 367. 

Oleoresina Capsici U. S. Oleoresin of Capsicum. 

Capsicum, No. 60 powder, 100 parts or 32 oz. av. 

Stronger Ether, a sufficient quantity. 

To make about H fl. oz. 

Put the capsicum into a cylindricle percolator, provided 
with a cover and receptacle suitable for volatile liquids, 
press it firmly, and gradually pour stronger ether upon it, 
untill one hundred and fifty parts [or 4 pints] of liquid 
have slowly passed. 

Recover the greater part of the ether by disiillation on a 
water-bath, and expose the residue in a capsule, until the 
remaining ether has evaporated. Lastly, pour off the liq- 
uid portion, transfer the remainder to a strainer, and, 
when the separated fatty matter (which is to be rejected) 
has been completely drained, mix all the liquid portions 
together. 
Keep the oleoresin in a well stoppered bottle. 
The oleoresins mostly in use as prepared by this method 
are. 
Oleoresina Capsici. Oleoresin of Capsicum. 

" Lobeliae. " " Lobelia Seed. 

" Cubeba3. " " Cubebs. 

" Lupulini. " " Lupulin. 

" Piperis. " " Black Pepper. 



656 



PHARMACY. 



" Zingibers. " " Ginger. 

Resinoids or Resins, Resince U. S. P. 

These preparations were early produced and used by the 
Botanies and Eclectics together with products containing 
extractive gums and alkaloidal constituents of plants 
which were simply crude alkaloids. They became very 
popular for a time but have given place to the more ele- 
gant alkaloids of modern pharmacy. However some of the 
resinoids have maintained their popularity amongst Phys- 
io-Medicalists and are most \aluable agents. 

Resinoids are made by maceration and displacement 
with a full strength or high percentage alcohol as a 
menstruum, and the resin precipitated by adding to the 
alcoholic solution an excess of water. 

These preparations are almost wholly non-therapeutic 
to use the term, as they represent in an isolated state 
a single therapeutic constituent of the drug. Consequent- 
ly their therapeutic range is limited. They simply repre- 
sent the resinous constituent which is alone soluable in al- 
cohol 

The fact of this limited therapeutic range of resinoids, 
dependent on the absolute alcoholic menstruum, we urge 
as additional proof of the fact which we have emphasized 
in the beginning of this article, that an aqueous solution 
represents the normal therapeutic constituency of organic 
agents. 

Normal Fluid Extracts, Alkaloids- 
Under the above name the IT. S. Pharmacopoeia places 
what was formerly termed resinoids and alkaloids, of the 
early Botanies and Eclectics. The fact is that these alka- 
loids are simply resinoids made by a more perfected method 
by which the resinoidal inorganic salts of the plant may 
be isolated. Ether is the principal menstruum. 

The resinoids and alkaloids take the name of the original 
drug with the last syllable terminating in ine for the alka- 
loids, and in for the resinoids, thus quinine, salacine, and 
podophyllin, leptandrin. 
The following is a typical formula for resinoids. 

Podophyllin, Resinoid of Podophyllum. 

Podophyllum, No. 50 powder, lb. a v. 1 

Acetic Acid, oz. 1 

Water, 



PHARMACY. 657 

Alcohol, of each, a sufficient quantity. 

Place the podophyllum in a suitable macerating vessel and 
pour on sufficient alcohol to thoroughly saturate, cover 
closely and macerate 4 or 5 days mixing each day so as to 
insure thorough saturation, transfer to a centrifuge or 
percolator and displace adding more alcohol untill the drug 
is exhausted (about If pints of percolate), evaporate or dis- 
till off the alcohol till the fluid-is thick as molasses; to one 
pint of water add the acetic acid, cool t<> a temperature of 
40 or 50 deg. F. and slowly stir in the thick extract, let 
stand till all precipitation ceases, decant the supernatant 
liquid and wash the precipitate by pouring on fresh cold 
water and decanting two or three times, spread the precip- 
itate on a thin muslin or flannel stretched over a frame 
and when thoroughly dry reduce to a fine powder. 

The alkaloids are made commercially by processes which 
the manufacturers keep strictly secret, the general plan is 
to proceed as in the above formula for resinoids. using hy- 
drochloric acid instead of acetic, and after decanting the 
first fluid it is made alkaline with ammonia or soda and 
the precipitate returned to it shaking and allowing it to' 
settle, then decanting and washing with cold water. Or 
the drug in very fine No. 80 powder is mixed into a paste 
with fresh lime dried and then digested in alcohol decant- 
ed and acidulated, then precipitated as in the above form- 
ula, washed thoroughly with acidulated cold water, dried 
and powdered. Some agents yield better therapeutic pro- 
ducts with the resinoid, while others are better with the 
alkaloidal treatment. 



ERRATA. 

Page 79. 9th. line, read no function. 

■' 128, 17th line, read constitution. 

lt 151, 9th line from bottom rend, sudoriferous. 

" 215, after Cyprus add, 

Anti-emetic weed was introduced to the profession by 
Prof. G. N. Davidson whorecomm nded it for its soothing 
effect upon the sympathetic nervous system. C. T. Beat id 
makes a reliable fluid extract. It not only relieve?- i lie 

Balnea of pregnacny but will be found valuable in those 
case> of hemicraniadue to reflex action. 
Page 279, 13th line read, results. 

" 364, at bottom of page add 
size of the dose given. It is a valuable addition to other 
medicines when the patient is constipated or inclined to 
constipation. 

The seed are used for the same purposes as the roots. 
Page 399, 19th. line read Microtome. 

u 400, 13th. line for no read slight. 

" 473, 13th. line for no read an. 

" 527, 29th. line read acicular. 

" 582, 8th. line read Sweet & Lewis No. 11. Also in, 9th. 
line from bottom in page 586. 
Page 588, 5th line from bottom read evolved. 

" 591, 19th line and in 6th. and7th. lines from bottom, 
also in 14th line from bottom of page 592 read, Molecular 
instead of Atomic. 

Page 601, 1st. liue after word displacer adt " for which the 
author has applied for a patent. " 

Page 605, 6th. line read, 15 grs. 7th. line read, 10 grs. 8th, 
line read, 20 grs. 
Page 607, 2nd. line from bottom read, 12 oz. 

" 612, 1st. line read, muscular. 
Add to eacn formula on this page, Salicylic Acid. dr. 1 

Soda Sulph. dr. 2 
Pot. Nitrate dr. 3 
These should be triturated and dissolved in the fid. extract. 
Page 625, 1st. formula for 2i read 3 and for 13£ read 13. 
2nd. formula for 2 grs. read 3 in each line. 
Page 626, 1st. formula read 2 oz. for 3 dr. and 3 grs. for 2 grs. 
and in 2nd. formula read 1 oz. av. 
Page 634, 2nd. formula read 16 fl. oz. distilled water.- 



INDEX. 



y\bies Balsatuea, 61 
Canadensis. 61 
Exc-elsa, 62 
Abrus Precatorius. 62 
Abcess boot, 423 
Acacia Catechu, 63 

' Vera, 63 
Acetum. 64 

Achillea Millefolium. 65 
Acidum Gallicum. 437 

Salicylicuin. 446 
Taiinieum. 436 
Acorus Calamus. 65 
Adder's- tons ue, 303 
Adiantum Pedatimi. 65 
Ad rue, 214 
Afterbirth Weed. 4*s2 
Agave Americana. 65 

" \ r irginica. 66 
Agrimonia Eupatoria, 66 
Agrimony. 66 
A g ropy rum Repens. 67 
Ajowan. 181 
Alcohol. 97 
A let ris Farinosa, 10.") 
Alisma Plantago. 106 
Alligator Pear. 417 
Allium Sativum, 106 
Allspice. 3(^7 
Alnus Serrulata, 107 
Aloe S pi cat a & Socatina. 
Altluea Officinalis. 108 

Rosaea, 108 
Alum, 109 

" Root. 350 
Alumen, 109 
Alveloz, 313 

Amaranthus Hypo.. 110 

Ambrosia Artemisiaefolia. HOAster Cordifolius. 164 
American Century. 444 " Punicens, 165 

" Columbo. 319 Astragalus Verus, 165 

Ivy, 110 • A vena Sativa. 165 

Sarsaparilla. 153 Avens, 339 
Wormseed. 194 Babarang. 298 
Ampelopsis Quinquefolia. llOBalm of Gilead. 426 
Amphiachyris Drac. Ill Balmony, 193 

Amygdalus Com. Am.. 114 Balsam Apple, 40 
Dulcis, 114 

" Persica. 114 

Anacyclus Pyrethrum. 115 
Anaemiol, 232 
Anaesthetics 115, 463 
Anemone Pulsatilla, 129 
Anethum Graveolens, 129 
Angelica Atropurpurea, 129 



Angelica. 156 
Angustura. 214 
Anise Seed. 421 
Ant hem is Cotula, 129 
Xobilis, 130 
Anti-Emetic Weed, 214 
Apium Graveolens, 131 

Petroselinum, 182 
Apocynum Androsaemi-132 

Canabinum. 133 
Apple Tree. 435 
Aqua, 133 
Aralia Hispidia. 153 

Nudicaulis. 153 
' k Racemosa, 154 
Arbor Vitae, 544 
A rchangeiica Officinalis 156 
Arctium Lappa. 156 
Arctostaphylos Ova Qrsi, 158 
Arisasma Tr'phyllum. 161 
Aristolochi-' Serpentaria. 159 
Artanthe Eiougata 159 
Artemesia Abrotanum, 160 
•' Absinthium, 160 

Frigida, 453 
Santonica. 160 
Vulgaris. 160 
Arum Triphyllum. 161 
Asafoetida, 315 
Asaarbacea, 162 
107Asarum Canadense. 161 
Europaeum. 162 
Asclepias Curassavica. 162 
" Incarnata. 162 

Svriaca, 162 
Tuberosa, 162 
Asparagus Officinals, 164. 
Aspidium Felix- Mas. 164 



Fir. 61 
Poplar, 426 

Balsamodendron Myrrha, 

Bamboo- Brier Root. 455 

Banana, 106 

Baptisia Tinctoria. 167 

Barberry. 170 

Baro^ma Betul. &Crenul. 



16K 



168 






Bay berry, 406 

Bay cum, 460 

Bearsfoot, 425 

Bebeeru, 408 

Beech, 814 

Beech -Drop, 300 

Beeswax, 188 

Bellwort, 571 

Benzoin, 462 

He rberis Aqui folium, 169 

•' Vulgaris, )70 
Beta Vulgaris Rubruni, 170 
Beth Root, 569 
Betonica Officinalis. 170 
" Lanceolaia. 170 
Betula Lenta, 171 
Bidens Bipinnata, 171 
Bignonia Catalpi. 171 
Birch, 314 
Bishop's Cap, 405 

Weed, 181 
Bismuthi Subnitras. 172 

" Salicylas, i72 

Bitter Almonds, 114 

" Archangel, 389 

" Bugle Weed, 389 
Orange, 204 
Root, 132 
Black Alder, 431 

" Ash, 321 

; ' Birch, 171 

•' berry, 442 

" Cohosh, 197 

" Currant, 442 

" Haw, 575 

" Oak, 437 

" Pepper, 421 

k ' Root, 375 

" Sampson, 248 

" Walnut, 367 

" Willow, 447 
Bladder Nut, 460 

" Wrack, 322 
Blessed Thistle. 180 
Blind Nettle, 370 
Blood Flower, 162 

" Root, 449 

" Wort, 351 
BIup Cohosh, 184 

'• Flag, 363 

" Vervain, 574 
Boldo, 417 
Boneset, 310 
Boracic Acid, 457 
Boro-Salicylicum. 447 
Brigham Weed, 299 
Broom Tops, 215 
Weed, 111 



BrunfelsiaHopeana, 172 
Buchu, 168 
Buckbean. 397 
Buckthorn, 438 
Bugle Weed, 389 
Bull Nettle, 458 
Bullsfoot, 570 
ButterCup, 437 
Butternut, 365 
Button Bush, 188 

" Snake Root, 303, 377 
Burdock, 156 
Cactus G-randiflorus. 190 

" Mexicana 190 

Caffea Arabica, 173 
Cajuputi, 393 
Calamus, 65 
Calcii Chlorulum, 174 
Calendula Officinalis, 173 
California Fever Bush, 324 
Calumba, 204 
Calx, 174 
Camphor, 371 
Canada Balsam, 61 

Fleabane, 301 
Hemp, 133 
Snake Root, 161 
Thistle. 203 
Canella Alba, 175 
Capsella Bursa- I'astoris, 175 
Capsicum Fastigiatum, 175 
Caraway, 181 
Carbenia Benedicta. 180 
Car bo, 180 
Card anion, 298 
Carnrick's Soluble Food, 232 
Carpenter's Square, 451 
Carrot, 21b 

Carthamus Tinctorius, 181 
Carum Carvi, 181 

" Copticum, 181 

" Petroselinum, 182 
Carya Alba, 182 
Catechu, 63 

Oaryophyllus Aromaticus 182 
Cascara Amarga, 421 

Sagrada, 438 
Cascarilla, 212 
Cassia Acutifolia, 182 

" Angustifolia, 182 
Castalia Odorata, 409 
Castanea Dentata, 184 

" Vesca, 184 

Castelia Nicholsoni, 184 
Castor Oil, 411 
Cataipa Tree, 171 
Catechu, 63 
Catnip. 408 



Gaulophylluni Thalictroirl 184C<>la Acuminata, 206 



185 



Oanothus America nus. 
Cedron Seed. 454 
Celastrus Scandens. 186 
Celery, 131 

Centaurea Benedict a, 180 
Cephas I is Ipecacuanha, 187 
Uephalanthus Occident.. 188 
Cera Flava and Alba, 188 
Cerastium Vulgatum, 189 
Cerasus Virginia na, 189 
C ire is Canadensis, 189 
Cereus Bonplandii. 191 

Grand iflorus. 190 
Cetaceum. 191 
Chamaelirium Luteuin. 191 
Chamomile. 130 
Chaparro Amargoso, 184 
Cheken. 306 

Chelidoninm Ma jus, 192 
Chelone Glabra, 193 
Chenopodium Anthel . 194 

Botrys. 194 
Chestnut, 181 
Chickweed, 289 
Chimaphilla Unibillata. 
Chinese Gentian, 415 
Chionanthus \ r irginica. 
Chi rata, 542 
Chocolate Nuts. 544 
Choke Cherry, 189 
Chondodendron Tomen. 
Chrysanthemum Leucan. 

" Parthen.. 

Cimicit'uya Racemosa. 197 
Cinchona, 199 
Cinnamonum Cassia. 202 
Cinquefoil. 430 
Circium Arvense, 203 
Citrullus Vulgaris. 212 
Citrus Aurantium. 203 

Limonum, 204 
" Vulgaris, 204 
Cleavers, 322 
Clotbur. 576 
Cloves 182 
Club-Moss, 388 
Cnicus Arvensis, 203 
Coca, 303 
Cocash Root. 165 
Cocclebur, 576 
Cocculus Palmatus. 204 
Cochlea ria Armoracia 
Cocoa, 544 

Cocoa -Nut Tree, 206 
Coccs Nucifera, 206 
Cod Liver Oil. 411 
Coffee. 173 



194 



195 



191 



2o; 



Collinsonia Canadensis, 207 

Comfrey, 542 

Commiphora Myrrha, 166 

Comptonia Aspleuifolia, 208 

vJontrayerva, 247 

Convolulus Panduratus, 208 
Scammonia. 208 

Copaiba. 208 

Copaif'era Officinalis, 208 

Coptis Trifolia. 209 

Coral lorrhiza Odontor., 209 

Coriandrum Sativum. 210 

Corn Silk. 461 

Cornus Circinata, 210 
Florida, 210 
Sericea. 211 

Coto and Para Goto Bark. 211 

Cotton Root, 345 

Couch Grass, 67 

Cramp Bark, 575 

Cranberry, 414 

Cranesbill, 328 

Crawley Root, 209 

Greta Preparata. 174 

Croton Eluteria. 212 

Cubebs, 421 

Cuca, 303 

Cucumber Root. 392 
Tree, 390 

Cucurbita Citrullus. 212 
" Pepo. 213 

195Culver's Root. 375 
196Cunila Mariana. 213 

Cup Plant, 454 

Curcuma Longa. 213 

Curly Clover Weed, 568 

Cusparia Trifoliata, 214 

Cutting Almond, 415 

Cydonium Vulgaris, 214 

Gynoglossum Officinale, 214 

Cyperus ArticuJatus, 214 

Cypripedium Pubescens, 215 

Cystitus Scoparius, 217 

Damiana. 569 

Dandelion, 543 

Dancus Carota, 218 

Deer Tongue, 377 

Delphinium Consolida. 218 

Dentaria Diphylla. 218 

Dewberry, 442 

Dialyzed Iron, 318 

Dicentra Canadensis, 219 

Dieryilla Trifida. 220 

Dietitics, 220 

Dill, 129 

Disinfectants, 241 

Dioscorea Villosa. 239 



Diospyros Virginiana 241 Fever Root. 569 
Dittany, 213 Fireweecl. 300 

Dogwood, 210 Five-Finder Herb, 430 

Dorema Ammoniacum, 247 Flax, 378 
Dorestenia Contra \erva, 247 Flowering Ash, 321 
Drosera Rotundifolia, 218 Foeniculum Capelaceum. : i 1 s 
Dwarf Elder. 153 Fragaria Vesca, 319 

Echinacea Angustifolia, 248 Fragrant Sumach, 440 
Elder. 448 Frasera Carol inensis, 319 

Elecampane, 3 2 Fraxinns Americana, 320 

Electro-Therapeutics, 240 Onus, 321 

Elletaria Repens, 298 Sam buci folia. 321 

Embelia Ribes, 298 Fringe Tree, 195 

Ephedra Antisyplv" lit ira. 299Frostw<>rt, 349 
Epigaea R-pens, 299 ^ucus Vesiculosa, 322 

Epilobium Angus' ifol.. 300 Galbanmn Officinale. 322 

" Spicatum, 300 Galipea Cusparia, 214 

Ephiphegus Virginiana, 300 Galium Aperine, 322 
Erechthites Hieracifolia, 300 " Verum. 323 

Erigeron Canadense. 301 Garcinia Mangostana, 323 

" Pbiladelphicum,302 Garden Celandine. 192 

" Strigosum. 302 Garlic, 106 

Eriodictyon Glutinosum. i02 Garrya Fremontii. 324 
Eryngium Yuccsefolium. 303Gaultheria Procurabens, 324 

" Aquaticum, 303 Gentiana Lutea, 327 

Erythronium American., 303 " Ocliroleuca, 327 



Erythroxylon Coca, 303 
Eucalyptus Globulus, 304 
Eugenia Aromatiea, 182 
" Chequen, 306 

u Jambolana, 307 

u Pimenta, 307 

Euonymous Atropurpur 
Eupatorium Agertoides. 
" " Aiternifol. 



Geranium Macula turn. 328 
Germs and Germicide^. 320 
Geum Rivale& Virginia., 339 
Gillenia Trifol & Sum, 340 
Ginseng. 415 
lilechoma Hederacea, 340 
30S Glycerin;!. 340 
300 Glvcozone, 343 
300 Glycyrrhiza Glabra, 343 
Aromaticum 309Gnaphalium Polvcephal.. 344 
" " Perfoliatum, 310Golden Rod 458 
" Purpureum, 312 " Seal, 352 
Euphorbia Heten.doxa, *13 Gold Thread, 200 

Goody era Pubeseens. 345 
Goose Grass, 424 



Euphrasia Officinalis. 313 
Evening Primrose. 410 
Eye- Bright, 313 
Fabiana Imbricata, 314 
Fagus Ferrugina, 314 
False Bitter Sweet, 186 
" Boneset. 309 
" Unicorn, 191 
" Wintergreen. 434 
Fennel Seed, 318 



345 



Gossypium Herbaceum. 
Gravel Plant. 200 

Weed, 220. 413 
Greek Valerian, 423 
Green Osier Bark. 210 
Ground Ivy, 340, 409 

Pine, 389 
Guaiacum Officinale, 345 
Ferri et Potassae Tartras 317 guaran a, 415 
u « • > Citras. 317 Gum Ammoniacum, 24. 

" Carbonas Praecip'iL 317 A rab [ c ' 6 ?,.,. 

Sacchara., 317 " Myrrlia, lfob 

« Pulvis. 317 Tragacanth. 16a 

" Oxydum Hydratum. 31sHagenia Abyssinica. 346 

Ferula Foetida, 3) o x Hair Cap Moss, 426 

" Sumbul. 316 Hamamelis Virginica, 347 

Feverfew. 196 Ilaplopappus Baylabuan. 34-S 



Hard Hack. 400 
Hare's Foot. 569 
Heal All. 431 
Heart's Ease. 424 
Hedeomia Pulegoides, 348 



Jerusalem Oak. 194 
Jicama. 364 
Judas-Tree. 189 
Juglans Cinerea, 365 
" Nigra, 367 



Heiiantliella Tenuif'oha 
Helianthemum Canaden.. 349 
Helianthus Annuum. 349 
Helonias Dioica, 191 
Hemlock Spruce. 61 
Hepatica Triloba. 350 
Heracleum Lanatum. 350 
Heuchera Americina. 350 
Hickory, 182 
Hieracium Venosum. 351 
High Mallows. 391 
Holly, 361 
Hollyhock, 108 
Honduras Bark. 421 
Honev, 392 
Hops. 351 
Horehound. 391 
Horsemint. 405 
Horse Nettle. 458 

" Radish. 205 
Hound's Tongue. 214 
House Leek. 452 
Huckleberry. 571 
Humulus Luputus, 351 
Hydrangea Arborescens. 352 
Hydrastis Canadensis. 352 
Hydrozone, 355 
Hypnotism. 356 
Hyssopus Officinalis, 301 
Hysterionica, 348 
Ilex Aquifolium& Opaca, 36 

•• Paraguayensis. 362 

•' Verticellatos, 431 
Impatiens Pallida. 302 
Indian Cucumber. 392 
Physic. 340 
Turnip. 161 
Inerluvin. 234 
Inula Helenium. 302 
Ipoma?a Pandurata. 208 
Ipomea Jalapa. 363 
Iris Versicolor. 363 
Iron Weed. 575 

" Wood, 414 
Jalap, 363 
Jambul, 307 

Japanese Peppermint. 394 
Jateorrhiza Pal mat a. 204 
Jatropha Macro rhiza. 364 
Java Plum, 307 

" Tea. 413 
Jeffersonia Diphylla. 365 
Jequirity. 62 



349 Juniperus Communis, 368 



Sabina, 368 
"Virginiarnum. 379 

Kalmia Latifolia, 369 

Kamala, 391 

Kino, 433 

Knot Grass, 424 

Kola Nut, 206 

Kousso. 346 

Krameria Ixina, 369 

Lactin. 445 

Lactopeptine. 234 

Lactuca Sativa 370 

Lady's Slipper., 215 

Lambert's Listerine. ."525 

Lanium Album 370 

Lappa Major. 156 

Larkspur. 218 

Larix Americana, 370 

Laurus Cinnamonum, 202 
" Camphora. 371 

Lavendula Vera. 373 

Lemon, 20 + 

Balm, 393 



'4 

375 



31 



Leonurus Cardiaca, 31 
Leptanbra Virginica. 
Lettuce. 370 
Liatris Odoratissima. 

Spicata. 377 
Licorice. 343 
Life Everlasting. 344 

" Root. 453 
Lignum Vitae. 345 
Lilac. 542 
Lime. 174 

Lindera Benzoin, 378 
Linum Usitatissimum. 378 
Lippia Dulcis. 379 

" Mexicana, 379 
Liquid Acid Phosphates. 233 
LiquidamberStvracflua. 380 
Liquid Wheat. 233 
Liquor Caleis, 174 

•• Magnesiae Citratis. 390 

" Potassae. 429 
Liriodendron Tulip. 
Liver Won. 350 
Lobelia Inflata, 382 
Low Mallows, 391 
Lycopersicum Escul. 
Lycopodium Clavatum.388 

" Complanatum, 389 
Lycopus Europa?us, 389 



380 



388 






Lycopus Virginicus. 389 Myrtus Chekati, 306 

Mace, 408 Nasturtium Armoracia. 205 

Magnesiae Usta, 390 Neckweed, 575 

'• Milk of, 390 Nectandra Rodici, 408 

Magnesia Uarbonas. 390 Nepeta Cataria, 408 

" Sulphas, 390 " Glechmia, 409 

Magnolia Acuminata. 390 Nettle, 571 

" Glauca, 3!j0 New Jersey Tea, 185 

" Tripetata, 390 Night-blooming Cereus, 190 

Maiden Hair, 65 Nine Barks, 460 

Male Fern, 164 Norway Spruce, 62 

Mallotus Phillipenensis, 391 Nutgalls, 435 
Malva Sylvestris & Rotun, 391Nutmeg, 408 



Manaca, 172 
Mandrake, 422 
Mangosteen, 323 
Manna Tee, 321 
Man Root, 208 
Marigold, 173 
Marrubium VuL-are. 391 
Marsh Mallows. 108 

'■ Rosemary, 460 
Masterwort, 350 
Materia Medica, 58 
Matico, 159 
Mayweed. 129 
Medeola Virginica, 392 
Mel, 392 

Melaleuca Cajuputi. 393 
Melissa Officinalis, 393 
Menispermum Canaden., 
Mentha Arvensis, 394 

" Piperita, 395 

" Viridis, 396 
Menthol, 394 
Menyanthes Trifoliata, 
Microscopy, 397 
Mistletoe, 41b 
MitchellaRepens, 403 
MitellaCordifola,405 
Momordica Balsamina. 
Monarda Fitulosa. 405 

" Puuctata, 405 
MorusAlba, Rubra & Nig 
Motherwort, 374 
Mountain Lnurel, 369 

" Mint. 434 

'• Sage, 453 
Mugwort, 160 
Mulberry, 405 
Mullein,' 572 



409 



413 



Nymphaea, Odor., & Adv. , 
Oats, 165 

CEnothera Biennis. 410 
Oleum Eulachon, 410 

" Morrhua?, 411 
Olivae, 411 

" Ricini, 411 
Rwas, 412 
Onosmodium Virginiana. 
Ophelia Chi rata, 542 
Orange, 203 

Oregon Grape Root. 169 
Origanum Vulgaiv. 413 
Orthosiphon Stamineus. 413 
Osmorrhiza Longistylis. 413 
Ostrya Virginica, 414 
Oxalis Ace osella. 114 
393 Ox-Eye Daisv, 195 

Oxycoccus Macrocarpus. 414 

Pa?onia Officinalis. 414 
Panax Qui nquefoljrt. 415 

" Schinseng. 415 
Pancreatine, 234 
Paraguav Tea, 362 
Pareira Brava, 195 
Parsley, 182 

Partbenium Integrifol.. 415 
Pasque Flower, 129 
Passiflora Inearnata, 415 
Passion Flower, 415 
405Paulinia Sorbilis. 115 
Peach, 114 
Pellitory. 115 
Pennryroyal, 348 
Peppermint, 218, 395 
Pepperwort, 218 
Pepsin, 233 
Peptenzyme, 232 



397 



405 



Munsel's Solution of Iron, 318Perchloride of Iron, 318 



MusaSapientum, 406 
Musk Root, 316 
Mustard, 455 
Myrica Asplenifolia, 208 

" Cerifera, 406 
Myristica Fragians, 408 



Persea Grati>sima, 417 
Persimmon, 241 
Peruvian Bark, 199 
Petrolatum, 417 
Peumus Boldus, 417 
Pharmacy, 588 



Philadelphia Fleabane, 302 Prunella Vulgaris, 431 
PhoradendronFlavescens, 418Prunus Doruestica. 431 



Phytolacca Decandra, 418 
Pichi. 314 

Pi men a Bxcelsa, 420 
Picrarunia, 421 
Pi menta Officinalis, 307 
Pimpenella Anisum. 421 
Pink Root, 460 
Pinus Canadensis, 61 
Piper Angustifolium, 150 
Cubeba. 451 

■• Nig'iim, 421 
Pipsissewa, 194 
Pitcher Plant, 450 
Pix Liquid a. 544 
PI ant ago Cordata, 422 

Major, 106. 422 
Virginica, 422 
Plantain, 106, 432 
Pleurisy Knot, 162 
Podophyllum Peltatum, 422 
Poke. 418 

P.»lemonium Reptans. 423 
Polygala Senega, 423 
Polygonum Avicnlare, 424 
Bistorta. 424 
Hydiopiper, 424 
" Persicaria. 424 
i% Punctatum, 424 
Polymnia Uvedalia, 425 
Poly podium Yulgare. 426 
Polypody, 426 

Polyirichum Juniperum, 426 
Pomegranate, 434 
Pond Lilly white & yellow, 400 
Populus Balsam if'era, 426 
Candicans. 426 
Tremuloides. 427 
Portubtca i Meracea. 428 
Potassa Caustica, 428 

' ; Cum Calce, 174, 420 
Potassae Bicarbopas. 428 

" Bisulphas, 429 

l% Bitartras, 429 

" Carbonas Purus, 428 

Chloras, 429 

" Permanganas, 430 

Potassii Iodidum, 420 

" Sulphuretum, 429 

Potentilla Canadensis, 430 

" Tormentilla. 430 
Prickly Ash, 577 
Primrose, 410 
Prince's Feather, 110 
Prinos Verticillatos. 431 
Protoneuclein, 231 
Prune. 431 



Institia Rubrum, 431 
Serotina. 431 
Virginiana, 431 
Ptelea Trifoliata, 433 
Pterocarpus Marsupium. 433 
" Santalinus, 433 
Pterospora Andromedea. 209 
Pulsatilla, 129 
Pumpkin. 213 
Punica Granatum, 434 
Pycnanthemum Incanam. 434 

" Montanum. 434 
Pyrola Rot undi folia, 434 
PyrusMalus, 435 
Quassia, 420 
Queen of the Meadow, 312 
Que reus Alba, 435 

" Lusitanica, 435 

'• Rubra. 537 

•' Tinctoria. 437 
Quince, 214 
Quinine Flower, 444 
Rag Weed, 110 
Ranunculus Bulbosus. 437 
Rattlesnake Master. 66 
Red Beet, 170 

•• Cedar. 369 

•• Clover, 568 

" Current, 442 

•' Oak, 437 

•' Osier Bark 211 

"• Pepper, 175 

•• Raspberry. 443 

'' Saunders, 433 
Rhamnus Cathartica. 438 

" Frangula, 438 

'" Parshiana, 438 
Rhatany, 369 
Rheum Officinale, 438 

•' Palmatum, 4i8 
Rhubarb. 438 
Rhus Aromatica, 440 

" Canadensis, 440 
• Glabra, 441 
Ribes Rubrum & Nigrum, 442 
Rosemariuus Officinalis, 442 
Rosemary, 442 
Rose Willow. 448 
Rosin Weed, 454 
Rubus Canadensis, 442 

'• Strigosus, 443 

•• Vi l\ osus, 442 
Rudbeckia Lancinata. 443 
Rumex Acetosellus. 443 

" Crispus. 444 



448 



Sabal Serrulata, 445 

Sabbatia Angularis, 444 
" Elliottii, 444 

SaccharumLactis, 445 

Safflower, 181 

Sage, 448 
" Bush, 453 

Salacin, 446 

Salix Alba, 445 
" Eriocephala, 447 
" Nigra, 447 
" Purpurea, 448 

vSal via Officinalis, 448 

Sambucus Canadensis. 

Sandal Wood, 450 

Sanguinaria 

Sanicle, 450 

Sanicula Marilandica, 450 

Santalum Album. 450 

Santonica, 160 

Sarracenia Purpurea, 450 

Sarsaparilla, 455 

Sassafras Officinale, 451 

Satureia Hortensis, 451 

Savine, 368 

Saw Palmetto, 445 
Scammony, 208 
Scotch Broom, 217 
Scrophularia Nodosa. 451 
Scullcap, 452 

Scutelaria Lateriflora, 452 
Sempervivum Tectorum 
Senecio Aureus, 453 

" Obovatus, 453 
Senega, 423 
Senna, 182 

Serenoa Serrulata. 445 
Serpentaria, 159 
Seven Barks, 352 
Seville Orange, 204 
Shag-bark Hickory, 
Sheep Sorrel, 443 
Shepherd's Purse, 175 
Sierra Salvia, 453 
Silk Weed, 162 
Silphium Laciniatum 
" Perfoliatum 

Simaba Cedron, 454 
Sinapis Alba & Nigra, 
Skunk Cabbage. 542 
Slippery Elm, 570 
Small Alder, 107 
Smart Weed. 424 



Smilax Canaelliflolium, 455 
41 Officinale, 455 

Psuedo China, 455 

Sodas Boboras, 457 
•' Bicarbonas, 456 
" Carbon as, 456 
" Hyposulphis. 457 
" Sulphis, 457 

Sodii Chloridum. 456 
" Sal icy las, 446 

Solanum Lycopersicum. 388 
" Carol inensis, 458 

Solidago Canadensis, 458 
" Vigaurea. 459 

Sorbilin, 415 
Canadensis, 449Southern Prickly Ash, 576 

Southernwood, 160 

Spanish Needles. 171 

Spearmint, 396 

Speedwell, 575 

Spermacti, 191 

Spice Bush, 378 

Spigelia Marilandica. 460 

Spikenard, 154 

Spiraea Opulifolia 460 
" Tomentosa, 460 

Squaw Vine. 403 
" Weed. 453 

Stachys Betonica. 170 

StaphyleaTrifol, 460 

Star Grass, 105 
452 " Wort, 164 

Statice Braziliensis, 460 
•' Coroliana, 460 

Stigmata Maydis, 461 

Stillingia Sylvatica. 461 

Stone Root, 207 

Storax, 462 

Strawberry, 319 

Stylanthes Elatior, 462 

Styrax Benzoin, 462 
k ' Officinal, 462 

Succus Solanii. 458 

Sugar of Milk, 445 

Sulphas Calcis. 174 

Sulphis Calcis, 174 

Sulphur, 462 

Sumach, 441 

Summer Savory, 451 

Sundew, 248 

Sunflower, 349 

Surgical Anaesthetics. 463 

Swamp Dogwood. 211 



182 



454 
454 

455 



Swamp Willow, 447 
Sweet A Imonds, 114 

•' Bhv Tree. 300 

•• Cicily. 413 

•• P. rn. 208 

•• Fiag. 65 

•■ Gum, 380 
Swertia Chi rata, 542 
Symphytum Officinale. 542 
Symplocarpus Foetid us. 542 
Syringa Vulgaris. 542 
Tag Alder, 107 
Tamarac. 370 
Tanacebum Vulgare. 543 
Tansy, 543 

Taraxacum Officinal. 543 
Terebinthina, 543 
Theobroma Cocoa, 544 
Therapeutics, 17 
Thiana. 318 
Thimble Weed. 443 
Thuja Occidentals, 544 
Thyme, 545 
Thymus Vulgaris, 545 
Tolu, 540 

Toluifera Balsamea. 540 
Tomato, 388 
Tormentilla, 430 
Toxicology, 546 
Tri folium Arvense. 568 

•• Pratense, 568 
Trillium Erectum, 569 
Triosteum Perfoliatum. o69 
Triticum Repens, 67 
Tsuga Canadensis, 61 
Tulip-Tree, 380 
Tumeric, 213 
Turkey Coin, 219 
Turn era Diffuse, 569 
Turpentine, 543 
Tussilago Farfara, 570 
Twin Leaf, 365 
UlmusFulva, 570 
Umbrella Tree, 390 
Unicorn Root, 105 
Urtica Dioica, 571 
Uva-Ursi, 158 
Uvularia Perfoliata, 571 
Vacciniura Resinosum, 571 
Valeriana Officinale, 571 
Verbascum Thapsus, 572 
Verbena Hastata, 574 

" Urticifolia, 574 
Verhonia Fasciculata, 575 
Veronica Officinalis. 575 



•• Peregrinuin. 575 

" Virginica, 375 
Viburnum Opulus, 575 

" Prunifolium. 575 
Vinegar, 64 
Virga Lati folia. 459 
Virginia Snake Root, \^ 
Vitis Quinquefolia. 110 

" Vinifera. 57 «i 
Wafer Ash, 433 
Wahoo, 308 
Water Avens. 339 

•• Eryngo, 303 

•• Melon. 212 

•• Pepper. 424 

" Plantain. 422 
White Ash, 320 

•' Indian Hemp, 162 

•• Oak. 435 

•• Plantain, 345 

■• Poplar. 427 

'■ Root, 162 

'• Snake Root. 309 

•• Vervain. 574 

•• Walnut. 365 

" Willow. 445 
Wild Basil. 434 

•• Bergamot. 405 

■• Celandine. 362 

" Cherry, 431 

'• (linger. 161 

•• Indigo. 167 

■• Majoram. 431 

- Red Plum. 431 

•• Yam. 239 
WiJ low-Herb, 300 
Witch Hazel. 347 
Wintergreen, 324 
Wood Betony, 180 
Wood Sorrel. 414 
Worm Seed, 194 
Wormwood, 160 
Xa nthium Strumarium, 570 
Xanthoriza Apiifolium. 577 
Xanthoxylum Carolinen.. 576 

'• Fraxineum. 577 
X Rays. 578 
Yarrow. 65 
Yellow Ladies' Bed Straw. 323 

" Dock. 444 

" Parilla, 393 

" Root, 577 
Yerba Santa, 302 
Youthwort, 248 
Zingiber Officinalis. 587 



C. T. Bedford, 

PHYSICIANS' SUPPLIES. 

Nos- 2-4 Indiana Ave-, and 58-60 W- Chio St 
INDIANAPOLIS. INDIANfl. 



SOME OF OUR SPECIALTIES 

Containers included when not specified. 





Strength 


FORMULA. 
Prof Hasty's 


MAN'F'D BY 


Syr. Rliei et Potass, Comp. Double 


Bedford 


Syr Myrica Comp, 




Thompson's 




Syr Mitchflla Comp., Improved 








S\ r. Solidago Comp. 




Prof, Dav dson 


s 


Syr. Fraxinus Comp. 




Cook's 


Bedford. 


Syr Julians ( in. Green Hark 




Prof. Davidson': 




Fid. Ext Solidago Comp, 




Prof. Davidson's 




Fid. Kxt Geum Album. 




Prof. Davidson' 


s Bedford. 


Fid. Ext. Composition, 




Thompson's 


Bedford. 


Fid. Ext. Polygonum Hydropiper. 




Bedford's 


Bedford. 


Fid. Ext. Populus <'omp. 




Bedford's 




Fid. Ext. Spice Bitters, 




Bedford's 




Normal Tine t. Amphiachyris Broom Weed 


Bedford 




Physio- Medical C. C. Pill. 




Prof. Hasty's Say 2,200 Merrell 


Physio-Medical C. C. Pill, 




Stimson's Mann 


'f Per 1000 


Po. Composition. 




Thompson's 


Bedford. 


Po. Spice Bitters, 




Bedford's 


Bedford. 


Po. Populus Comp; 




Cook's 


Bedford. 


Antibilious Compound, 




Prof. Anthony's 


Bedford. 


Neutralizing Mixture. 




Prof. Anthony's 




Bedford's Sore Throat Mixture 








Bedford's Pile Suppositories. Per 


doz 






Prof. Anthony's Cathartic Pills 


' 




Merrell. 


Tincture Lobelia Compound 3rd pi 


reparation 


Bedford. 


Tincture Myrrh Compound No, 6 




Thomson 




Oil Lobelia. Extra 




Prof. Davidson's 


Per oz. 


Oil Capsicum. Extra 




Prof. Davidson's 


Per oz. 


Oil Walnut 




Prof. Davidson's 




Pure Essential Oils a Specialty. 








Salicylate of Soda, Free from" arbolic Acid 




Schieffellins 


Salicylate of Soda. From Oil Wintergreen 


W. S. Merrell Chemical Co oz. 


Noitol 




Wheeler Chemical Works 


" SORBIL1N " 




Yale Chemical C< 


3. Per oz. 


Syr. Juglans, from Green Bark, ahv 


ays in stock. 





Full line of Special Select Ground and Powdered goods 
quality not usually kept in Drug- Houses. 

Full line of Wm. S. Merrell Chemical Co. 's preparations 
fluid extracts and specialties always in stock. 



THE FACT THAT. 



=H»SORBILIN^t 



* 



Has been used constantly 

by NrxKTY Prr cent, of the 

& Physio - Medical Physicians & 

since its introduction should be 

CONCLUSIVE PROOF that it is 
All that we claim it to bk 







I 



M SANATIVE ANALGESi 8, •** 

that may be used 
5jj[ with almost marvelous effect in 

/ arious combinations 

as may Iff indicated. 



IE CHEMICAL CO. 



MANF'G CHEMISTS 

ATLANTA, GA. 



Physicians supplied by 
C. T. BEDFORD 

Indianapolis. Ind. 
Sample and Literature Free. 



31) 



PHYSIO- ® ® ® 
o MEDICAL ® 
® ® ® AGENTS 

A distinct part of our business is the supply- 
ing of PZVERY NEED of the 

Physio-Medical Sytem. 

We offer the most complete lines in the country, of 

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CRUDE, GROUND OR 

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what you are paying. 

•REMEMBER, OUR GUARANTEE OF QUALITY.^ 



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H. M. MERRELL, 

1012 (new) ELM ST. 

CINCINNATI, OHIO. 

Kindly mention this publication, when you write us. 



MCQANNOLD 

SURGICAL AND 
GYNAECOLOGICAL CHAIR. 

TO THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 

In the McDannold Sur- 
gical and Gyaencologi- 
cal Chair we have en- 
deavored to combine all 
the elements necessary 
to the successful examin- 
ation and treatment of 
surgical, gynaecological 
and rectal diseases, be- 
sides its value as a gen- 
eral utility chair, for the 
examination of the eye, 
ear, nose, throat, chest, 
abdomen, and many oth 
er uses that will suggest 
themselves to the prac- 
tical physician. 

The movements of the 
chairs are universal, 
positive, noiseless and 
all positions are obtained 
with patient seated in 
chair, and so simple that 
the merest tyro can un- 
derstand them. There is 
no complicated mechan- 
ism, noisy and intricate 
fastenings, such as notch- 
es, ratchets, long andun- 
.=s sightly levers, cranks, 
gp treadles etc. Two posi- 
tions are shown in the 
cuts, but all necessary 
positions can be easily 
obtained and securely 
held as the ones shown. 

In appearance the chair is ornamental. The base and all working parts 
are made of iron, the larger parts japanned, and neatly striped; the smaller, 
nickel-plated. The upper part of the chair is connected to the base by a 
large -teel centre, and is held in any position by a large set screw. This al- 
lows the chair to be rotated in any position in which it may be placed — some 
thing impossible to be obtained in any other chair now on the market. 

Physicians will find this to be a decided advantage, for if the proper 1 ght 
is not obtained the patient is first placed in position, the chair can be rotat- 
ed until the required light is obtained. The head-rest has also been im- 
proved, and can be extended up or down, back or forward, and held in posi- 
ton by a single set-screw. 

Frarne is Antique OaK or Walnut. Upholstering, 
Light or Dark Maroon or Olive Leather, $50.00 
Errjbossed Maroon Leather. $5. 0O extra. 
Chairs are sold on Monthly Payments when desired. ii 

For further particulars address PITTSBURGH OFFICE. 

CEO. E. BRICCS, Manager. 
708 PENN AVE.. (ROOM 614) PITTSBURGH, PA- 




Opinions of those who have used the McDannold Chair. 

Scranton, Pa. 
The Mc» ^nnold Chair arrived O. K. My unbiased opin- 
ion is that it is the best chair on the market at any price. I 
I would not give it for any other I have ever seen. It is 
certainly a ••gem." E. L. Peet, M. D. 

Harrisbtjrg, Pa. 
I have had in use for some months the McDannold Chair 
I purchased from you, and take pleasure in -unqualifiedly 
commending it. It is a chair peculiarly adapted to the 
needs of the general practitioner, in that it possesses all 
the necessary features for the treatment of all the special 
lines of cases, and yet lacks the expensive complications 
found in so many chairs. Ifind it most comfortable in oper- 
ation, both to patient and physician, and regard it as a dis- 
tinct mechanical advance over its predecessors in the mar- 
ket. Thos. S. Blair, M D. 




- Alleghany, Pa. 
For seven years I have been lcoking for a chair suitable 
for general and special work; have found my ideal in the 
McDannold. For simplicity in adjustment, it cannot be 
excelled. Dr. L. J. T.yle. 

Franklin, Pa. 
A fter months of daily use, I take pleasure in saying that 
I consider the McDannold Chair is complete in all of its 
appointments, and possesses important advantages over all 
other chairs that 1 have ever seen. Its simplicity of con- 
struction and perfect ease in its varied adjustments, and 
the complete control of the operator over the chair in 
its several movements, make the McDannold surgical and 
«y narcological chair "par excellence;" and as such I take 
pleasure in so recommending it to the favorable considera- 
tion of the profession. Griffin Reno, M. D. 







LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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